Indiana Flooding Forces 400 Evacuations, Rescues 38 as White River Nears 21.1-Foot Crest
Updated
Updated · IndyStar · Aug 15
Indiana Flooding Forces 400 Evacuations, Rescues 38 as White River Nears 21.1-Foot Crest
3 articles · Updated · IndyStar · Aug 15
Summary
At least 400 people were evacuated in Ravenswood and 38 were rescued near Rocky Ripple, Ravenswood and Broad Ripple as floodwaters kept rising Saturday, with officials warning the totals were still increasing.
The White River was forecast to crest in Indianapolis at 21.1 feet around 8 p.m. after days of rain and upstream runoff, while another 1-2 inches of rain threatened flash flooding and slower drainage.
Six water-rescue teams and two National Guard vehicles were deployed, and residents were told to leave immediately for city shelters as resources were stretched and southside neighborhoods prepared for flooding moving downstream.
Citizens Energy paused some operations at its White River North treatment plant to protect infrastructure, though drinking water remained safe and customers were asked to limit discretionary use.
The flooding had already set a White River record in Noblesville at 24.6 feet, and Indiana officials were seeking FEMA aid as Senator Jim Banks said Trump promised millions in federal disaster support.
With a 1937 levee pushed to its absolute limit, will Rocky Ripple survive the unprecedented floodwaters or be completely reclaimed by the river?
As toxic floodwaters isolate the town, what hidden dangers await residents who chose to stay behind the closed gates of Rocky Ripple?
After century-old records shatter and water treatment plants pause, how will Indianapolis infrastructure recover from this historic and devastating White River surge?