At Least Six Dead in Major Flooding Across Indiana
At least six people have died and officials have warned of continued danger in parts of the US state of Indiana after widespread flooding.
According to NBC News, the flooding came after a powerful storm system passed through, leaving more than 11 inches of rain in some areas. The focus of the flooding has been reported along the White River, from Hamilton County to the northern suburbs of Indianapolis.
During rescue operations, more than 90 people and 45 pets were evacuated from affected areas. In Indianapolis’ Ravenswood neighbourhood, water flooded cars and rose to the doorways of homes, with residents using kayaks and rowboats to get around.
The US National Weather Service said some areas had received more than 11 inches of rainfall over the past two days. According to the agency, the White River in Anderson and Noblesville rose to more than 24 feet, surpassing records set in 1913.
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, after declaring a local emergency, urged residents near the river to leave the area. Jacob Spence, emergency management director for Marion County, described the event as an “unprecedented” flood and said officials were setting new records.
According to officials, a 58-year-old woman in Delaware County died after trying to cross floodwaters. Liz Woods, a spokesperson for the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, also confirmed the deaths of other people in Jennings, White, Porter and La Porte counties.
Flash flood warnings remain in effect across central Indiana, and more storms are forecast. Local officials have urged residents to take the warnings seriously, as water levels are still rising.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun said he had spoken with US President Donald Trump, and a review of a federal disaster declaration is under way. The storms also brought tornadoes, heavy rain and flash flooding to parts of the US Midwest, with damage reported from the Chicago area to western Pennsylvania.
