White River Floods Indiana, shattering 1913 record and prompting emergency response

Heavy rainfall east of Indianapolis has driven the White River to a crest exceeding 24.5 feet, eclipsing the 1913 flood record by over a foot. The surge, following more than 11 inches of rain since Tuesday, has submerged entire neighborhoods across Indiana. Governor Mike Braun declared a state of emergency on Thursday and activated the Indiana National Guard to support affected areas.

In Anderson, officials ordered evacuations as several feet of water surrounded homes, and resident Charlie Simmons said his house, which he had been rebuilding for a year, was destroyed. Nearby towns including Yorktown, Franklin County and Cambridge City posted videos of flooded streets, train tracks and homes, while first responders have rescued dozens of people. Authorities caution that the river could continue to overflow its banks until at least Sunday.