Indiana authorities say at least 5 people have died in flooding across the state

Susan Montoya Bryan, Associated Press Susan Montoya Bryan, Associated Press

Indiana authorities say at least five people have died in flooding across the state this week, as first responders worked to rescue more people Saturday from rising waters in neighborhoods along the White River in Indianapolis.

The state has been hammered over the past week by heavy rains, resulting in rivers and creeks surging.

Gov. Mike Braun confirmed Saturday that President Donald Trump intends to approve his request for federal resources to help in response to the flooding and the recovery.

READ MORE: Lala strengthens into a hurricane and bears down on Hawaii's Big Island with heavy rain, winds

Braun said his heart is with the families who have lost loved ones due to the flooding over the past week. He also warned people to take the flooding seriously and stay away from floodwaters.

More than 90 people and their pets were rescued Saturday as floodwaters rose along the White River in Indianapolis and authorities in central Indiana responded to what many described as historic flooding.

The damage so far was concentrated along the river corridor from Hamilton County and into the northern Indianapolis suburbs. Farther east in Delaware County, sheriff deputies on Friday found the body of a 58-year-old woman who they believe died after trying to drive through floodwaters.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett was joined by emergency managers during a briefing Saturday as he urged residents along the river to evacuate. A day earlier, he had declared a local emergency as heavy rains resulted in creeks and streams swelling throughout central Indiana.

This aerial photo provided by the Indianapolis Fire Department shows flooding in northern Indianapolis on Aug. 15, 2026. Photo by Indianapolis Fire Department via AP

"This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime type floods," Jacob Spence, director of Marion County Emergency Management, told The Associated Press. "So yeah, this is an unprecedented event and unfortunately we're setting some new records."

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 National Weather Service reported that more than 11 inches (28 centimeters) of rain fell over a two-day period in some areas. The White River crested at more than 24 feet (7.32 meters) in the communities of Anderson and Noblesville, surpassing records set in 1913.

Flash-flood warnings and watches were issued across a swath of central Indiana on Saturday, and forecasters with the National Weather Service warned that more showers and thunderstorms would be moving into the area throughout the day. In Warren County, forecasters reported 2 inches of rain falling in the past six hours.