Written by Sunday, 16th, August 2026
INDIANAPOLIS, I.N. – At least seven people have died and hundreds of structures have been damaged or threatened after days of severe thunderstorms, destructive winds and historic flooding swept across Indiana, prompting emergency declarations, evacuations, water rescues and widespread infrastructure damage.
The deadly stretch of weather began Aug. 11 and continued through the week, leaving communities across the state assessing extensive damage.
The Indiana State Emergency Operations Center confirmed at least seven storm-related deaths across multiple counties. According to information from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, those killed include a 19-year-old man and a 58-year-old woman in Delaware County, a 4-year-old boy in Jennings County, two women in Lake and Porter counties, a man in Henry County and a man in LaPorte County.
State officials said circumstances surrounding some of the deaths remained under investigation as damage assessments continued.
Gov. Mike Braun declared a state of emergency in response to the widespread devastation, allowing additional state resources to be directed toward affected communities.
Hundreds of Structures Impacted
Hamilton County officials said hundreds of structures have been affected by flooding, with emergency operations increasingly shifting from immediate response toward damage assessment, recovery and reconstruction.
Among the significant infrastructure losses is a portion of Hazel Dell Parkway, which collapsed as floodwaters surged through the area. Officials said Sunday that engineers were evaluating the damaged structure to determine whether repairs are possible or whether a complete replacement will be necessary.
The flooding developed after rounds of torrential rainfall struck portions of Indiana. Flash flood emergencies were issued Wednesday across east-central Indiana as rapidly rising water created life-threatening conditions.
The flooding came one day after a destructive derecho tore across northern Indiana.
According to the FOX Forecast Center, the derecho produced winds of 90 to 100 mph and extended at least 250 miles in length and approximately 60 miles in width. The widespread destructive winds downed trees and power lines and caused extensive damage across portions of northern Indiana.
More Than 11 Inches of Rain Reported
The severe weather was followed by extraordinary rainfall across central Indiana, where the National Weather Service reported more than 11 inches of rain in some locations over a two-day period.
The tremendous amount of runoff sent rivers and streams rapidly out of their banks.
The White River surged to near 25 feet at locations including Anderson and Noblesville. Local reports indicated the flooding exceeded the previous record of 23.6 feet established during the historic March 1913 flood.
Along the White River in Delaware County, rising water forced hundreds of evacuations, including in portions of Muncie.
Emergency crews conducted water rescues as roads became impassable and neighborhoods were inundated.
Flooding Threatens Buildings in Indianapolis
The prolonged flooding also created significant concerns about the stability of infrastructure.
On Saturday, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works warned of an imminent structural failure involving multiple buildings after severe erosion and a major roadway washout undermined the surrounding area.
Officials have continued urging residents to remain away from flooded roads, damaged bridges and other compromised infrastructure as emergency personnel and engineers evaluate affected area.
Even as floodwaters begin to recede in some communities, the scale of the disaster is expected to become clearer as crews gain access to areas that were previously inaccessible.
Recovery efforts are now underway across Indiana as state and local officials assess damaged homes, businesses, roads, bridges and utilities following one of the state’s most destructive stretches of severe weather and flooding in recent years.