In an unprecedented event, neighborhoods across Indiana find themselves submerged as the White River has swelled to historic levels, surpassing 24.5 feet. This marks a new record, leapfrogging the previous high-water mark set back in 1913 by more than a foot.
Since Tuesday, an astonishing deluge has unfolded with over 11 inches of rainfall recorded to the east of Indianapolis. In response, Gov. Mike Braun declared a state of emergency on Thursday and has activated the Indiana National Guard to aid in relief efforts.
“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 announced, assuring residents in a public statement of the state’s commitment and actions underway.
In the city of Anderson, local authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders as streets lie beneath several feet of water, encroaching on homes and threatening safety.
Charlie Simmons, a resident of Anderson, shared his personal ordeal, stating he had just finished rebuilding his home when the floodwaters arrived.
“I’ve been working on it for about the last year,” he said. “I got in a couple months ago. Now it’s destroyed.”
As a lifelong Anderson resident, Simmons said he’s never seen flooding this severe.
The town of Yorktown, Indiana, which is in Delaware County, shared videos Thursday on its Facebook page, showing the widespread damage and severity of the flooding.
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.