Five killed as Indiana endures its worst flooding in decades

At least five people have died after severe storms and flooding struck the US state of Indiana last week, local authorities said. Rescue teams continued operations on Saturday, using boats to evacuate residents from neighborhoods along the White River in Indianapolis.

Rivers at record levels, dozens evacuated

Torrential rain over several days pushed river levels to historic highs and forced thousands to leave their homes. More than ten counties declared states of emergency, with much of the damage concentrated along river corridors from Hamilton County into the northern suburbs of Indianapolis.

In Delaware County, rescuers recovered the body of a 58-year-old woman on Friday; authorities believe she died after attempting to drive through floodwaters. Search teams also found a teenager who had been reported missing on Wednesday after jumping into a river. Earlier in the week a four-year-old boy was killed when a tree fell onto his home in Jennings County.

"My heart is with the families and loved ones of the five Indiana residents we lost and with every family whose life was changed by these storms," Governor Mike Brown said, urging people to take the danger seriously and stay away from flooded areas. He added that President Donald Trump intends to approve his request for federal resources to assist with recovery and cleanup.

Mayor Joe Hogsett called for residents living near the White River to evacuate, saying the city is facing its worst flooding in more than 30 years and that conditions are changing rapidly. Jacob Spence, director of the Marion County Emergency Management Agency, described the event as unprecedented: "This is unprecedented and, unfortunately, we're breaking some new records."

The National Weather Service reported that some locations received more than 28 centimetres of rain in just two days. The White River crested above 7.32 metres at Anderson and Noblesville — surpassing records set in 1913. Flood warnings remain in effect across much of central Indiana.

The National Guard joined local rescue efforts. By early afternoon in Indianapolis, 91 people and 45 pets had been rescued, city fire department spokeswoman Rita Wright said. About 400 residents evacuated on their own from parts of north Indianapolis; Delaware County recorded more than 350 evacuations, and Tipton County authorities relocated elderly residents from a mobile home community.

Photo: press material from the event