Central Indiana Flooding Kills 6, Breaks 113-Year Record on August 15

Central Indiana was hit by historic flooding starting August 11 that killed at least six people and forced hundreds to evacuate their homes by August 15. The White River crested at 24.6 feet in Noblesville, surpassing a 113-year-old record of 23.8 feet set in 1913. President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration on August 15, making federal disaster assistance available to supplement state and local response efforts.

Deaths and evacuations across the state

Six deaths have been reported across Indiana from storms that began August 11. Three deaths occurred in the Chicago area in Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties, while others occurred in different parts of the state. In Delaware County, a 58-year-old woman died after attempting to drive through floodwaters. An 18-year-old Purdue University freshman, Matthew Morey, was found dead after entering the Mississinewa River on Wednesday with three others. More than 90 people and their pets were rescued as floodwaters rose along the White River in Indianapolis.

Record-breaking river levels in Hamilton County

The White River broke a 113-year-old record in Noblesville on August 15, cresting at 24.6 feet and surpassing the previous record of 23.8 feet from 1913. The surge forced 170 residents to voluntarily evacuate their homes in Noblesville. In Carmel, 40 people were evacuated from 41 homes, with 12 taken to Northview Church for shelter. Residents of assisted living facilities were also evacuated as a precaution. By Saturday afternoon, water levels had dropped to 23.6 feet, but officials estimated recovery would take weeks.

Damage and infrastructure failures

Flooding caused sinkholes that led to the collapse of a portion of Hazel Dell Parkway at Blue Woods Creek in Carmel. Both directions of the road south of 106th Street were closed. The flooding also damaged utility infrastructure, forcing power shutoffs in some areas as a safety precaution. In the Ravenswood neighborhood of Indianapolis, murky floodwaters submerged cars and rose to front doors, with residents navigating streets in kayaks and rowboats. The Arts Center’s ARTSPARK in Broad Ripple was partly underwater.

Federal disaster assistance and emergency declarations

Indiana Governor Mike Braun declared a statewide disaster emergency on Friday, August 14. On August 15, President Trump approved an emergency declaration, making federal disaster assistance available to supplement state and local response efforts. Carmel, Fishers, and Noblesville issued state of emergency declarations on August 15, allowing them to apply for recovery funds. FEMA announced that federal assistance would support response efforts for severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding beginning August 11 and continuing.

Final Thoughts

The flooding represents a once-in-a-lifetime disaster for central Indiana, with federal aid now available to support recovery. Residents face weeks of rebuilding as water levels recede and damage assessments continue.

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