Large sections of Indiana are submerged after the White River surged to historic levels, cresting above 24.5 feet — more than a foot higher than the benchmark set during the devastating floods of 1913.
The flooding follows days of relentless rain, with more than 11 inches recorded east of Indianapolis since Tuesday. On Thursday, Gov. Mike Braun issued a statewide disaster emergency declaration and activated the Indiana National Guard to assist with the response.
“Our state response is fully mobilized, resources are moving where they’re needed, and we will continue working around the clock to support every impacted community,” Braun said in a statement.
In Anderson, Indiana, officials ordered residents to evacuate as floodwaters several feet deep swallowed roadways and cut off homes across the city.
For Anderson resident Charlie Simmons, the disaster struck just as he was getting back on his feet after rebuilding his house.
“I’ve been working on it for about the last year,” he said. “I got in a couple months ago. Now it’s destroyed.”
Simmons, who has spent his life in Anderson, said he has never witnessed flooding of this magnitude in the community.
In nearby Delaware County, the town of Yorktown, Indiana, shared videos on Facebook Thursday showing extensive damage and the force of the rising floodwaters.
Town of Yorktown, Indiana
Meanwhile, in nearby Franklin County, swampy water covered train tracks and streets, and for the second consecutive day, several feet of water surrounded homes in Cambridge City.
First responders have rescued dozens of people across the region.
Everton Volunteer Fire Department
The flooding could still worsen as the river is expected to continue to spill over its banks until Sunday.
contributed to this report.
