The National Weather Service reported that 11 inches of rain fell in some areas of the state

NEED TO KNOW

• Seven storm-related deaths have been confirmed since storms began sweeping Indiana on Aug. 11
• The deaths include a 4-year-old boy, a 19-year-old man and a 58-year-old woman, among others
• The National Weather Service reported that 11 inches of rain fell in some areas of Indiana

Several deaths in Indiana this week have been linked to severe storms. 

Seven storm-related deaths have been confirmed since storms began sweeping the state on Tuesday, Aug. 11, according to a statement from the Indiana State Emergency Operations Center.

The deaths include a 19-year-old man in Delaware County, a 58-year-old women in Delaware County, a 4-year-old boy in Jennings County, a 58-year-old woman in Lake County, an 86-year-old woman in Porter County, a 32-year-old man in LaPorte County and a 31-year-old man in Henry County. 

“Specific details on timelines and circumstances are still being confirmed,” the agency said.

The 58-year-old woman is believed to have died after attempting to drive through floodwaters, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office told CBS News. Her body was found on Friday, Aug. 14. 

On Saturday, Aug. 15, the sheriff’s office confirmed the body of Matthew Morey was found. The incoming Purdue University freshman went missing after he entered the Mississinewa River earlier in the week.

“There are no words that can ease the pain of losing a child. Our hearts are with Matthew’s family, friends, classmates, and everyone who knew and loved him,” officials said in a statement to CBS News. 

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun declared a Statewide Disaster Emergency on Thursday, Aug. 13, in which he stated that “flooding, severe weather, tornadic activity and a derecho caused widespread and severe damage across Indiana.” 

The executive order said “the severe weather has resulted in damage and destruction of homes, businesses, infrastructure, and other structures; loss of power, downing of trees and power lines; flooding; damage to and closure of roads; and injury.” 

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Braun shared the order on X, writing, “This declaration mobilizes state agencies, unlocks emergency resources and gives us additional tools to support local response and recovery efforts.”

He continued, “Hoosiers’ safety is my top priority. 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 requested a Presidential Emergency Declaration through FEMA for additional federal resources on Friday.

“I will continue to do everything in my power to protect Hoosier lives and livelihoods,” the mayor said in a statement at the time.

President Donald Trump approved the request the next day, per CBS News.

The record-breaking storm caused “catastrophic flooding for portions of central Indiana,” per the National Weather Service, as over 11 inches of rain was reported in some areas.

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