Indiana has been heavily impacted by severe flooding this week, resulting in at least five deaths across the state. Emergency crews are actively working to rescue individuals from rising waters in neighborhoods along the White River in Indianapolis.

Governor Mike Braun announced that President Donald Trump plans to approve federal assistance to support the state’s response and recovery efforts. Gov. Braun expressed his sympathy for the families affected by the flood and urged residents to avoid floodwaters.

On Saturday, over 90 people and their pets were rescued as flood levels rose along the White River in Indianapolis. The flooding has been called historic, with damage concentrated between Hamilton County and northern Indianapolis suburbs. In Delaware County, the body of a 58-year-old woman was discovered. She is believed to have died attempting to drive through floodwaters.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett urged residents along the river to evacuate. He declared a local emergency on Friday due to heavy rains swelling creeks and streams across central Indiana. An aerial photo from the Indianapolis Fire Department displays the extensive flooding in northern Indianapolis.

This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime type floods, said Jacob Spence, director of Marion County Emergency Management. We’re setting some new records unexpectedly.

Gov. Braun has requested a presidential emergency declaration for federal resources following record rainfall. The National Weather Service reported more than 11 inches of rain within two days in some regions. The White River exceeded 24 feet in communities like Anderson and Noblesville, breaking records from 1913.

Flash-flood warnings and watches were issued throughout central Indiana on Saturday, with more showers and thunderstorms predicted. Forecasters reported two inches of rain in Warren County within six hours. The White River was expected to crest that evening in Indianapolis, with National Guard vehicles involved in rescue operations.

Rita Reith from the Indianapolis Fire Department stated 91 people and 45 pets were rescued by early afternoon. Todd Wilson, director of public works, emphasized the need to heed warnings as water levels continued to rise.

Residents shared videos on social media showing stranded vehicles, a toppled power pole, and flooded intersections. Earlier in the week, severe storms caused destruction across the Midwest, from Chicago to western Pennsylvania, with tornadoes, heavy rains, and flash floods.