Saturday witnessed a dramatic surge in the White River in Indianapolis as floodwaters rose, triggering a cascade of rescues and evacuations across the city and central Indiana, marking a significant event for the region. The situation, dubbed as historic flooding, has prompted emergency managers to scramble to respond to unprecedented conditions, with authorities reporting a significant climb in the river’s level.
This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime type floods, Jacob Spence, director of Marion County Emergency Management, explained, “This is an unprecedented event and unfortunately we’re setting some new records.” He further stated that the number of people and pets being rescued is expected to increase as authorities across the state are responding to the historic flooding.
The situation began with a declaration of a local emergency by Mayor Joe Hogsett, who urged residents along the river to evacuate. A day earlier, he had declared a state of emergency as heavy rains resulted in creeks and streams swelling throughout central Indiana, leading to significant inundation.
Indianapolis’s White River reached a level so high that it broke records set more than 100 years ago, according to historical records. The extent of the damage is concentrated along the river corridor from Hamilton County and into the northern Indianapolis suburbs. Further east in Delaware County, Sheriff’s deputies on Friday discovered the body of a 58-year-old woman, identified as Sarah Miller, who they believe died after attempting to drive through floodwaters. Miller was a member of a group of three people who entered the Mississinewa River with her.
The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Saturday that authorities found the body of 18-year-old Matthew Morey, an incoming Purdue University freshman, who had gone missing after he entered the Mississinewa River with Miller and two other students. The search and rescue operation is ongoing, and officials are working to locate any other missing individuals.
The flooding has also impacted local businesses and infrastructure. The White River crested just shy of 25 feet in the city of Anderson on Friday, more than a foot above the record set in 1913. The National Weather Service forecasts continued to warn of more showers and thunderstorms moving into the area throughout the day, increasing the risk of further flooding.
In Warren County, forecasters reported 2 inches of rain falling in the past six hours.
Gov. Mike Braun has requested a presidential emergency declaration to free up federal resources to help with the response and recovery following days of record rainfall. The state is urging residents to heed the warnings and stay safe as the waters continue to rise.
As of this reporting, approximately 70 people had been rescued by midday, said Todd Wilson, director of the city’s public works department. The city is also providing assistance to residents displaced by the flooding. The floodwaters are receding, but authorities remain vigilant, and residents are advised to stay informed about updates and safety precautions. The community is rallying together to support those affected by the disaster.
This report was originally written by CBS News.
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Source: CBS News
