Five dead in Indiana flooding as White River breaks 1913 records, Trump pledges federal aid

Rising waters and rescues

At least five people have died in flooding across Indiana this week after more than 11 inches (28 cm) of rain fell over a two-day period in some areas, the National Weather Service reported. Emergency responders using boats rescued 91 people and 45 pets from rising waters along the White River in Indianapolis by early afternoon Saturday, according to Rita Reith, a spokesperson with the Indianapolis Fire Department. An earlier estimate from the AP put the number at about 70 people rescued by midday. Authorities estimated that about 400 people evacuated parts of northern Indianapolis.

The White River crested above 24 feet (7.32 meters) in the communities of Anderson and Noblesville, surpassing records set in 1913. Forecasters expected the river to crest Saturday evening in the Indianapolis area, where National Guard vehicles assisted rescue efforts. Flash flood warnings and watches covered central Indiana on Saturday, with the NWS warning that more showers and thunderstorms would move through the area. In Warren County, 2 inches of rain fell in six hours.

The dead

The five fatalities spanned several counties. In Delaware County, sheriff's deputies on Friday found the body of a 58-year-old woman they believe died after trying to drive through floodwaters. Deputies also recovered the body of a teenager who had been reported missing on Wednesday after jumping into a river. In Jennings County, a four-year-old boy was killed earlier in the week when a tree fell on his home.

Officials respond

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett declared a local emergency on Friday and urged residents along the river to evacuate at a briefing on Saturday. Governor Mike Braun, a Republican, requested a presidential emergency declaration to free up federal resources. On Saturday, Braun said he had spoken with President Donald Trump, who informed him that he intended to approve the request.

“I spoke with President Trump today about the severe storms and historic flooding impacting Indiana, and he informed me that he intends to approve our request for a Presidential Emergency Declaration.”

Braun expressed sympathy for the families of the five victims and urged residents to stay away from floodwaters.

Warnings from officials

Emergency officials stressed the danger of floodwaters throughout the day. Jerry Martin, deputy chief of the Indianapolis Fire Department, described the risks at a news conference.

“Six inches of water can stall out any vehicle. Eight inches of water can move a vehicle off a road. And then three inches of water can actually take somebody off their feet too. Flooded water is very, very dangerous.”

Todd Wilson, director of the city's public works department, warned that water levels were continuing to rise. Jacob Spence, director of Marion County Emergency Management, described the event as one without precedent.

“This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime type floods. So yeah, this is an unprecedented event and unfortunately we're setting some new records.”

Authorities described the flooding as the worst in roughly 30 years, with flooding observed in areas not historically affected. The storms earlier in the week also caused tornadoes and damage from the Chicago area to western Pennsylvania.