Indianapolis, Indiana — Days of torrential rain and severe storms have left communities across Indiana facing a devastating cleanup, with at least seven people dead and widespread damage reported after rivers surged to historic levels.
In Indianapolis, residents began assessing the destruction Sunday as floodwaters along the White River started to recede. For furniture maker Frank Gounder, the cleanup came on an especially difficult day: his 37th birthday.
Gounder lives on Indianapolis’ hard-hit north side, less than a mile from the White River. Floodwater eventually pushed into his home and workshop, reaching approximately 2 feet deep.
Now he is left sorting through waterlogged materials and handmade furniture to determine what can still be saved.
“It’s a lot,” Gounder said, describing the emotional moment when he realized the water was going to enter his property. Eventually, he said, he had to accept that there was little he could do and focus on moving forward.
Flooding Death Toll Reaches at Least Seven
State officials said seven people — three women, three men and a 4-year-old boy — had died since the storms began on August 11.
Among the latest confirmed victims was 31-year-old cyclist James Briar, who was found dead early Sunday in Henry County after apparently falling into a hole created when a road collapsed.
Authorities believe Briar may have gone around a barricade before falling into the washed-out section.
Another victim was 4 years old, according to Jennings County officials. The child was killed Tuesday when a tree crashed into his bedroom during strong winds.
Cody Low, chief deputy of the Jennings County Sheriff’s Office, described the death as unexpected and said the community would work through the tragedy together.
Young Man’s Death Highlights Dangerous Floodwaters
A 19-year-old man, Matthew Morey, was also among those killed.
Officials in Delaware County said Morey’s body was recovered Saturday, three days after he reportedly jumped from a bridge into the swollen Mississinewa River with friends.
Family and friends had gathered near the bridge to remember the recent high school graduate, who had planned to attend Purdue University, while also warning others about the dangers of swollen rivers.
Another victim, 58-year-old Stephanie Sallee, was found dead in a cornfield along with her dog. Officials believe she was driving on a flooded road when her vehicle was swept away.
Her family remembered her as a kind and energetic woman who loved her grandchildren and younger relatives.
Indianapolis Floodwaters Finally Begin Receding
The White River reached its peak in Indianapolis early Sunday before beginning to fall.
The city’s floodgates were reopened, although officials warned residents to remain cautious as they returned to neighborhoods affected by the water.
Emergency shelters remained open, and hundreds of homes along the river and its canals had been evacuated. First responders used boats to rescue people stranded by rapidly rising floodwaters.
In Hamilton County north of Indianapolis, officials said the situation was improving as rainfall stopped and water levels dropped.
However, officials were still assessing significant infrastructure damage, including whether a major bridge could be repaired or would need to be completely replaced.
White River Breaks Records Set More Than a Century Ago
The flooding reached historic levels across Indiana.
The White River crested above 24 feet in Anderson and Noblesville, exceeding records established during the devastating 1913 floods. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett described the event as the city’s worst flooding in more than 30 years.
More than 350 evacuations, along with numerous rescue operations and welfare checks, were reported elsewhere in the state. The destruction extended beyond homes. Roads and bridges were washed out, while communities faced extended power outages.
Nearly 130,000 utility customers remained without electricity Sunday, although that number had fallen substantially from a peak of approximately 300,000.
More Severe Weather Still Possible
Despite improving conditions in northern Indiana, forecasters warned that additional storms could affect central and southern parts of the state.
The National Weather Service warned of the potential for heavy rain, flash flooding and damaging winds, creating additional challenges for communities already dealing with saturated ground and damaged infrastructure.
Federal assistance is also being mobilized. President Donald Trump approved Indiana Gov. Mike Braun’s request for federal disaster assistance, supporting the state’s response and recovery efforts.
As floodwaters continue to recede, residents across Indiana now face the difficult task of cleaning homes, repairing damaged infrastructure and mourning those who did not survive.
What are your thoughts on the historic flooding in Indiana? Have you or someone you know been affected by the severe weather? Share your experience in the comments below.
