Indiana floods kill at least 6, Trump approves federal aid

At least six people, including a four-year-old child, died after severe storms and record flooding hit Indiana, state officials said. The Indiana State Emergency Operations Center reported the deaths of three women and two men across multiple counties, with a sixth death confirmed later by the Department of Homeland Security. The storms began on August 11 and dumped over 11 inches (28 cm) of rain in some areas, according to the National Weather Service.

President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration for the state after a phone call with Governor Mike Braun, unlocking federal disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The White River in Indianapolis reached record heights, surpassing levels set in 1913. Indianapolis mayor Joe Hogsett said the city was experiencing its most severe flooding in more than 30 years. More than 350 evacuations were reported in Delaware County, and over 95 people and 45 pets were rescued in Indianapolis alone, the fire department said.

The floods also disrupted rail and agricultural networks, and power outages affected over 300,000 homes and businesses at their peak. Flash-flood warnings remained in effect for parts of central Indiana. Additional storms were forecast, with the National Weather Service warning of major flooding along the White River. Rescue and welfare operations continued as river levels remained elevated.