Historic flooding prompts evacuations and water rescues in Indiana

Indiana authorities say at least 5 people have died in flooding across the state 1 of 5 | This aerial photo provided by the Indianapolis-fire-department" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="186244" data-entity-type="organization">Indianapolis Fire Department shows flooding in northern Indianapolis, Ind., Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026. (Indianapolis-fire-department" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="186244" data-entity-type="organization">Indianapolis Fire Department via AP) 2 of 5 | This aerial photo provided by the Indianapolis-fire-department" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="186244" data-entity-type="organization">Indianapolis Fire Department shows flooding in northern Indianapolis, Ind., Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026. (Indianapolis-fire-department" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="186244" data-entity-type="organization">Indianapolis Fire Department via AP) 3 of 5 | This photo provided by the Indianapolis-fire-department" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="186244" data-entity-type="organization">Indianapolis Fire Department shows flooding in northern Indianapolis, Ind., Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026. (Indianapolis-fire-department" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="186244" data-entity-type="organization">Indianapolis Fire Department via AP) 4 of 5 | This photo provided by the Indianapolis-fire-department" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="186244" data-entity-type="organization">Indianapolis Fire Department shows flooding in northern Indianapolis, Ind., Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026. (Indianapolis-fire-department" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="186244" data-entity-type="organization">Indianapolis Fire Department via AP) 5 of 5 | This aerial photo provided by the Indianapolis-fire-department" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="186244" data-entity-type="organization">Indianapolis Fire Department shows flooding in northern Indianapolis, Ind., Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026. (Indianapolis-fire-department" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="186244" data-entity-type="organization">Indianapolis Fire Department via AP) By Susan Montoya Bryan Updated 9:52 PM MESZ, August 15, 2026 Leer en español Add AP News on Google Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Indiana authorities say at least five people have died in flooding across the state this week, as first responders worked to rescue more people Saturday from rising waters in neighborhoods along the White River in Indianapolis. The state has been hammered over the past week by heavy rains, resulting in rivers and creeks surging. Gov. Mike Braun confirmed Saturday that President Donald Trump intends to approve his request for federal resources to help in response to the flooding and the recovery. Braun said his heart is with the families who have lost loved ones due to the flooding over the past week. He also warned people to take the flooding seriously and stay away from floodwaters. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. More than 90 people and their pets were rescued Saturday as floodwaters rose along the White River in Indianapolis and authorities in central Indiana responded to what many described as historic flooding. The damage so far was concentrated along the river corridor from Hamilton County and into the northern Indianapolis suburbs. Farther east in Delaware County, sheriff deputies on Friday found the body of a 58-year-old woman who they believe died after trying to drive through floodwaters. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett was joined by emergency managers during a briefing Saturday as he urged residents along the river to evacuate. A day earlier, he had declared a local emergency as heavy rains resulted in creeks and streams swelling throughout central Indiana. Deaths and damage reported as severe weather in the Midwest spawns tornadoes and flash flooding 4 MIN READ Severe weather knocks out power in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio as ‘ring of fire’ strikes Midwest 4 MIN READ 120 Tropical Storm Bertha weakens after bringing strong winds and heavy surf to Louisiana and Texas 4 MIN READ 120 “This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime type floods,” Jacob Spence, director of Marion County Emergency Management, told The Associated Press. “So yeah, this is an unprecedented event and unfortunately we’re setting some new records.” Gov. Mike Braun has requested a presidential emergency declaration to free up federal resources to help with the response and recovery following days of record rainfall. The National Weather Service reported that more than 11 inches (28 centimeters) of rain fell over a two-day period in some areas. The White River crested at more than 24 feet (7.32 meters) in the communities of Anderson and Noblesville, surpassing records set in 1913. Flash-flood warnings and watches were issued across a swath of central Indiana on Saturday, and forecasters with the National Weather Service warned that more showers and thunderstorms would be moving into the area throughout the day. In Warren County, forecasters reported 2 inches of rain falling in the past six hours. Forecasters expected the White River to crest Saturday evening in the Indianapolis area, where National Guard vehicles were among those helping with the rescue efforts. Rita Reith, a spokesperson with the Indianapolis-fire-department" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="186244" data-entity-type="organization">Indianapolis Fire Department, put the number of rescues at 91 people and 45 pets as of early afternoon. “The water is still rising, so heed the warnings,” said Todd Wilson, director of the city’s public works department. Residents posted videos on social media that showed vehicles stranded in high water, a power pole being toppled by rushing water and flooded intersections. Earlier this week, severe storms wreaked havoc across other parts of the Midwest, causing tornadoes, heavy rains and flash flooding. Storm damage was reported from the Chicago area all the way to western Pennsylvania. Montoya Bryan reported from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Susan Montoya Bryan Montoya Bryan is a chief correspondent based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She joined the AP in 1998 and covers breaking news across the Mountain West, with a focus on energy and natural resources, public lands and cultural affairs. twitter mailto