Henry County faces recovery after historic flooding

Historic flooding in Henry County, Indiana, has left residents facing significant property damage and infrastructure crises. In New Castle, Mayor Greg York reported that the city narrowly avoided a “master catastrophe” that could have necessitated the evacuation of one-third of the population.

One fatality has been confirmed: 31-year-old James Briar died after falling into a roadway collapse near Riley Road and Crescent Drive. Officials are currently managing critical threats to the city's infrastructure, including a subterranean sinkhole above the Bowery Brook drainage system. A failure in this aging brick and glazed block archway could lead to sewage backups and widespread public health hazards.

Local recovery efforts are underway as residents deal with flooded basements and ruined belongings. Many victims report lacking flood insurance, complicating the rebuilding process. The Salvation Army has been active in the region, providing food, clean drinking water, and cleaning supplies to more than 300 people seeking assistance.