Governor Mike Braun Secures Presidential Disaster Aid as Indiana Battens Down from 1-in-1,000-Year Floods

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Indiana Governor Mike Braun mobilized the Indiana National Guard and coordinated immediate federal disaster assistance under a newly approved Presidential Emergency Declaration following a week of catastrophic storms that produced over 11 inches of rain, resulting in seven fatalities and historic flooding along the White River and Wabash River basins.

Disaster Declaration and Federal Support

The multi-agency emergency response marshals state resources alongside federal funding to stabilize heavily inundated counties:

• Presidential Emergency Declaration: Following an urgent request from Governor Braun, the White House approved a federal emergency declaration unlocking up to $5 million in direct federal assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support debris removal, water rescues, and sandbagging operations.
• National Guard Deployment: Governor Braun activated specialized National Guard engineering and high-water rescue units across Marion, Morgan, Johnson, and Bartholomew counties to assist local first responders.
• Historic River Crests: Hydrological stations along the White River recorded flood stages exceeding 100-year historical highs, inundating low-lying agricultural land, municipal water treatment facilities, and major transportation corridors.

"Our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones in these devastating storms," Governor Braun said during a briefing at the State Emergency Operations Center in Indianapolis. "We are marshaling every asset of state government—from our National Guard soldiers to our Department of Transportation crews—to protect Hoosier families, safeguard our critical infrastructure, and begin the complex work of recovery."

Regional Impact on Communities and Agriculture

The storm system triggered flash floods that submerged hundreds of residential basements and washed out county bridges across central Indiana. Over 250,000 utility customers experienced localized power outages as falling trees downed distribution lines. In Morgan and Johnson counties, agricultural officials reported extensive crop washouts across corn and soybean acreage, with early estimates indicating tens of millions in agricultural losses.

Public health authorities issued boil-water advisories for municipal utilities where floodwaters infiltrated distribution networks, setting up potable water distribution stations in cooperation with local county emergency management agencies.

Recovery Phase and Safety Protocols

As river levels begin their slow crest, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) advised displaced residents not to return to flooded neighborhoods until building inspectors and utility technicians have certified structural integrity and gas line safety. Governor Braun confirmed that state teams are compiling damage assessments to submit a formal petition for a Major Disaster Declaration to unlock individual household FEMA grants.