# Indiana extreme rainfall and flooding recovery > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/indiana-extreme-rainfall-and-flooding > Updated: 2026-10-16T15:44:37.000Z. Sources: 118. Developments: 9. Extreme rainfall, tornadoes, and a derecho caused catastrophic flooding across Indiana, resulting in at least eight deaths. The deluge, which included over 11 inches of rain in some areas, pushed rivers to record levels, including the White River in Anderson. Following the storms, President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration for 21 Indiana counties, including Lake, Marion, and Porter. This declaration provides individual assistance to households and public assistance for infrastructure repairs. Early residential property damage estimates range from $550 million to over $5 billion. In Anderson, Mayor Thomas Broderick Jr. implemented a $600,000 stopgap fund to provide $1,000 payments to up to 600 significantly affected households. To facilitate recovery, FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton introduced a pilot program in Indiana utilizing an advanced payment model. In September, the Indiana Treasury Department launched the Recovery Advance Program for Infrastructure Damage (RAPID), offering $50 million in low-interest loans to local governments. By late September 2026, FEMA had approved more than $92 million in federal assistance for over 22,000 survivors through the Individuals and Households Program (IHP). In October, Governor Mike Braun announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) issued a disaster declaration for several counties, including Elkhart, Gibson, Harrison, Jefferson, Lake, and Warrick, as well as 24 contiguous counties. This provides access to business physical disaster loans, economic injury disaster loans, and home disaster loans for homeowners and renters. The deadline for physical damage loan applications is December 8, 2026. ## Claims - At least five people have died due to severe storms and flooding in Indiana. (disputed by 21 sources) - At least seven people have died in Indiana due to severe storms and flooding. (disputed by 5 sources) - At least six people have died in Indiana following severe storms and flooding. (disputed by 4 sources) - Governor Mike Braun requested a presidential emergency declaration to secure federal resources. (corroborated by 15 sources) - Mayor Joe Hogsett declared a local disaster emergency for Indianapolis and Marion County. (corroborated by 12 sources) - Governor Mike Braun declared a statewide disaster emergency due to record rainfall and flooding. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Approximately 16 million Americans are under flood watches due to Midwest rains. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The White River exceeded 24 feet in Anderson and Noblesville, breaking a record set in 1913. (corroborated by 8 sources) - More than 11 inches of rain fell over a two-day period in some areas of Indiana. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Approximately 130,000 customers in Indiana were without electricity. (corroborated by 4 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-16: Indiana residents and businesses eligible for SBA disaster loans The U.S. SBA has issued a disaster declaration for 30 Indiana counties following severe June storms, offering low-interest loans to affected businesses and residents. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indiana-residents-and-businesses-eligible-for-sba-disaster-loans ### 2026-09-21: FEMA approves $92 million for Indiana storm survivors FEMA has approved over $92 million in federal assistance for more than 22,000 Indiana storm survivors following historic flooding. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fema-approves-92-million-for-indiana-storm-survivors ### 2026-09-17: Indiana flood relief: $100 million distributed to 21,000 households Over 21,000 Indiana households have received $100 million in state and federal aid following devastating storms and floods, while volunteer groups assist with local cleanup efforts in Muncie. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indiana-flood-relief-100-million-distributed-to-21000-households ### 2026-09-09: Indiana launches RAPID program and disaster relief funds Indiana has launched the RAPID program to provide low-interest loans to local governments for infrastructure repair and is processing State Disaster Relief Fund payments for over 40,000 residents. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indiana-launches-rapid-program-and-disaster-relief-funds ### 2026-08-31: Indiana to host FEMA pilot program for faster disaster recovery FEMA is launching a test pilot program in Indiana to expedite disaster recovery funds following severe derecho winds and flooding, moving from a reimbursement model to advanced payments. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indiana-to-host-fema-pilot-program-for-faster-disaster-recovery ### 2026-08-26: FEMA approves major disaster declaration for 21 Indiana counties A major disaster declaration has been approved for 21 Indiana counties, providing FEMA federal aid to residents and local governments following severe storms and flooding earlier this month. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indiana-receives-federal-disaster-declaration-after-historic-storms ### 2026-08-24: Indiana receives federal disaster declaration for 21 counties President Trump approved a major disaster declaration for 21 Indiana counties following deadly storms and flooding. FEMA will oversee aid as local cities provide emergency stopgap funding. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indiana-receives-federal-disaster-declaration-for-21-counties ### 2026-08-15: Indiana flooding causes multiple deaths and triggers federal emergency declaration Record rainfall and severe storms in Indiana have caused deadly flooding, killing at least five people. President Trump has approved a federal emergency declaration to assist in recovery efforts. 109 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/midwest-flood-threat-rises-as-16-million-face-watches ### 2026-08-12: Muncie residents evacuated as record rainfall causes flooding Heavy rainfall in Muncie, Indiana, has surpassed 1913 records, causing flooding, evacuations, and school cancellations. Local authorities are preparing a disaster declaration to assist displaced residents. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/muncie-residents-evacuated-as-record-rainfall-causes-flooding --- Cite as: Indiana extreme rainfall and flooding recovery. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/indiana-extreme-rainfall-and-flooding