At least six people have died and hundreds more have been evacuated after days of historic flooding in Indiana, officials confirmed Saturday. The White River reached or approached record levels in multiple communities, prompting federal disaster assistance and emergency declarations.
President Donald Trump approved a presidential emergency declaration for Indiana on Saturday, authorizing Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) resources to support relief efforts in 53 counties. The declaration follows record-breaking river levels and widespread evacuations across central and northern Indiana.
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett described the flooding as the worst in more than 30 years, with neighborhoods along the White River—including Ravenswood, Rocky Ripple, and Broad Ripple—experiencing severe inundation. Emergency crews conducted dozens of water rescues, including 95 people and 45 pets, using boats to reach stranded residents.
State officials reported six fatalities, including a 4-year-old child, with deaths confirmed in Delaware, Jennings, Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties. Indiana Governor Mike Braun stated that Trump had assured him the state’s request for federal aid would be approved. The Indiana State Emergency Operations Center initially reported five deaths before updating the toll to six.
Flood warnings remain in effect for parts of the Indianapolis metropolitan area, including Marion, Hamilton, and Hendricks counties, until at least 10 a.m. on August 16. The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that additional flooding remains possible in some areas, while local officials reported water levels exceeding benchmarks set during the 1913 flood in certain communities.
Evacuations and Shelters
More than 350 evacuations were reported in Delaware County, with additional evacuations occurring in Tipton and Fayette counties. The city of Indianapolis activated two emergency shelters: the Washington Township Adult Education Center and a second location at 2406 N. Tibbs Ave. for south-side evacuees and pet owners.
Utility disruptions and broader impacts
Nearly 1 million utility customers lost power at the storm’s peak, with some outages persisting into Saturday. The severe weather also affected Illinois, Ohio, and Kentucky, where tornadoes, heavy rain, and flash flooding were reported. Indiana’s Department of Homeland Security confirmed the sixth death late Saturday, following initial reports of five fatalities.
Ongoing risks and recovery efforts
Emergency responders continue to conduct welfare checks and rescues, with hundreds of calls for service received throughout the day. Jacob Spence, director of Marion County Emergency Management, called the event an “unprecedented” and “once-in-a-lifetime flood.” The White River corridor, particularly in Indianapolis, Noblesville, Anderson, and Nora, remains a critical area of concern.
Officials urged residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate immediately, emphasizing that conditions could worsen rapidly. Mayor Hogsett stated in a social media video: “Now is not the time to wait and see. If you live near areas of flooding, have a plan to leave your home.”
Federal and state coordination
FEMA confirmed that disaster assistance is available to Indiana, with resources deployed to support recovery efforts. The Indiana State Emergency Operations Center continues to coordinate with local agencies to assess damage and provide aid. The storm system, which began impacting the state on August 11, has left a trail of destruction across the Midwest, with tornadoes and flash flooding reported in neighboring states.
As floodwaters begin to recede in some areas, officials warned that dangerous conditions persist, particularly along rivers and tributaries. The NWS and local emergency management advised residents to stay informed through official weather alerts and local updates to ensure their safety.