Days of storms and flooding in Indiana have left at least six people dead as floodwaters peaked in Indianapolis’ White River. A 4-year-old boy, two men, and three women were among those who had died since the storms began on August 11.

Flooding and Rescue Efforts

City shelters remained open after hundreds of homes along the river and its canals were evacuated. First responders used boats to rescue people stranded by rapidly rising floodwaters. Heavy rain and flash flooding were still possible across portions of the central part of the state, including Indianapolis.

The National Weather Service urged residents to check river and weather forecasts and “stay out of dangerous, fast-moving waters” as heavy rain has led to significant flooding along most rivers and creeks across central Indiana. Roads and bridges across the state have also been seriously damaged or washed out entirely by the powerful rushing waters.

About 130,000 utility customers statewide remained without power by midday Sunday, down from a peak of around 300,000. Heavy rains have hammered Indiana over the past week, causing rivers to crest and setting new records.

Response and Relief

President Donald Trump on Saturday approved Governor Mike Braun’s request for federal disaster assistance to help with flooding response and recovery efforts. The governor’s office said more than 350 evacuations and scores of rescue and welfare checks have occurred elsewhere in the state, including at a senior mobile home community north of Indianapolis.

Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.