INDIANAPOLIS — A powerful storm system that swept across Indiana this week has led to at least six deaths and widespread, historic flooding in central parts of the state, officials said Saturday. Rising waters inundated neighborhoods along the White River, submerged vehicles and forced dozens of residents to flee by boat.
Floodwaters move downstream into the city
State and local officials said much of the damaging water reaching Indianapolis came from areas upstream that recorded between 6 and nearly 12 inches of rain. Murky floodwaters swallowed streets and surrounded homes in the Ravenwood neighborhood, where residents were seen navigating inundated streets in kayaks and rowboats in drone footage shared with news outlets.
More than 90 people and their pets were rescued as water rose along the White River in Indianapolis, emergency officials said. Damage was concentrated along the river corridor extending from Hamilton County into the northern suburbs of the city, with some emergency managers characterizing the event as unprecedented.
Officials warn residents to stay away from floodwaters
Gov. Mike Braun said he had spoken with the president and that an expedited federal emergency declaration was in process. In a statement, Braun urged residents to treat the flooding seriously and to avoid floodwaters. He expressed sympathy for families who have lost loved ones.
“My heart is with the families and loved ones of the five Hoosiers we have lost and every family whose life has been changed by these storms,” Braun said in a statement Saturday. “Please continue to take flooding seriously and stay away from floodwaters.”
Local officials and emergency managers continued to urge evacuation for neighborhoods along the river, and Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett joined emergency personnel at a briefing Saturday advising residents to leave threatened areas.
Loss of life and localized impacts
Authorities in central Indiana reported multiple fatalities linked to the storm system as crews worked through hazardous conditions to reach stranded residents. In Delaware County, sheriff’s deputies found the body of a 58-year-old woman they believe died after attempting to drive through floodwaters.
Jacob Spence, director of Marion County Emergency Management, described the flood as extraordinary, telling the Associated Press it was “one of those once-in-a-lifetime type floods.” Emergency responders have continued search-and-rescue operations amid rapidly changing river and street conditions.
What authorities are doing
State and local emergency management teams have been coordinating rescues and sheltering operations while monitoring rivers and levees. Emergency calls and water rescues stretched personnel across multiple jurisdictions as crews prioritized life-saving operations and welfare checks for residents in flood-prone corridors.
- At least 6 confirmed dead across the state linked to the storms.
- More than 90 people and pets rescued in Indianapolis as the White River rose.
- Rainfall of 6 to nearly 12 inches reported in areas upstream of the city.
| Metric | Reported figure |
|---|---|
| Confirmed deaths | At least 6 |
| Rescued (people & pets) | More than 90 |
| Upstream rainfall | 6 to nearly 12 inches |
Public safety and recovery guidance
Officials emphasized two recurring safety messages during the flooding response: avoid driving or walking through moving water, and evacuate when ordered or when conditions threaten life or safety. Floodwaters can hide hazards such as washed-out roadbeds, submerged debris and strong currents that carry vehicles and people downstream.
Emergency managers also warned residents to watch for information from local authorities about shelter locations, road closures and utility outages. Those with immediate rescue needs were told to contact local emergency services; responders prioritized those in imminent danger.
Next steps
At the state level, officials indicated federal emergency assistance was being sought to supplement local response and recovery efforts. In the days ahead, communities along the White River and other affected waterways will turn to damage assessments, debris removal and restoration of services as rivers recede and roads become passable.
As floodwaters move downstream and conditions evolve, residents are advised to follow guidance from municipal and county emergency management agencies and to avoid returning to damaged structures until they have been declared safe by inspectors.
Reporting from across central Indiana continues as emergency crews work through the aftermath of the storm. Local officials said they will provide updates on fatalities, rescues and recovery resources as more information becomes available.
