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Five dead as severe storms, flooding hit Indiana

By AAP Newswire

Aug 16, 2026

Indianapolis flooding — Indianapolis is experiencing its most severe flooding in more than 30 years. -AP

At least five people have been killed as a result of severe storms and flooding across the US state of Indiana.

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The state has been hammered over the past week by heavy rains, resulting in rivers reaching record levels and sending residents in search of higher ground.

More than a dozen counties have declared local disasters, with much of the latest damage concentrated along river corridors from Hamilton County heading into the northern Indianapolis suburbs.

US President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration for Indiana, and federal disaster assistance is available to the state, the Federal Emergency Management Agency said.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said the city was experiencing its most severe flooding in more than 30 years, noting that conditions were shifting rapidly.

Hundreds of homes in neighbourhoods that were located between the river and parallel canals were evacuated Saturday, as first responders used boats to rescue people who were already stranded.

Rita Reith, a spokesperson with the Indianapolis Fire Department, put the number of rescues at 95 people and 45 pets as of Sunday AEST.

Dispatchers had received hundreds of calls for service throughout the day.

The governor's office reported more than 350 evacuations have occurred in Delaware County and that a senior mobile home community in Tipton County was being evacuated. Rescues and welfare checks also were happening in Fayette County.