At least five people dead in Indiana amid worst flooding in over 30 years, officials say

More than 11 inches of rain fell over Indiana within two days, causing devastating floods that left at least five people dead, officials reported. The flooding, the worst in over 30 years, forced evacuations and rescue efforts in several Indiana counties, including Marion, Hendricks, and Delaware. Emergency responders used boats to rescue people from rising waters in neighborhoods along the White River in Indianapolis.

Mayor Joe Hogsett and other state officials warned residents to heed evacuation warnings as floodwaters continued to rise. Deputy Chief Jerry Martin of the Indianapolis fire department emphasized the dangers, stating that even six inches of water can stall a vehicle, eight inches can move it off the road, and three inches can knock someone off their feet.

The deluge caused severe damage, with the White River cresting at over 24 feet in some areas, surpassing records from 1913. In addition to the five deaths, authorities recovered bodies of a 58-year-old woman in Delaware county and a teenager who had jumped into a river. The flooding also claimed the life of a four-year-old boy whose home was destroyed by a falling tree.

Governor Mike Braun confirmed that President Donald Trump had approved his request for federal resources to aid in the response and recovery efforts. As of Saturday afternoon, over 150,000 people were without power across northern Indiana due to the flood.