At least six people are dead in Indiana as floodwaters peaked in Indianapolis.
Why it matters: The rising toll shows how quickly the multi-day storm system has turned into a major emergency. It is straining rescue crews, disrupting neighborhoods along the White River and putting more of central Indiana at risk.
- The death toll rose to at least six on Aug. 16, after officials had reported at least five deaths a day earlier.
- The victims included a four-year-old boy, two men and three women.
- Storms began Aug. 11 and were still affecting parts of Indiana on Aug. 15-16.
- First responders used boats to rescue residents from rising water in neighborhoods along the White River in Indianapolis.
Days of storms and flooding in Indiana have left at least six people dead, according to reporting published Aug. 16, 2026. The latest update from AP said the death toll rose as floodwaters peaked in Indianapolis’s White River.
The victims included a four-year-old boy, two men and three women, the Guardian reported. AP said rains were expected to ease in the state capital region and other parts of Indiana on Sunday, Aug. 16.
Indiana officials had said at least five people had died by Aug. 15, before the count climbed higher the next day, according to AP. First responders used boats to rescue residents from rising waters in neighborhoods along the White River in Indianapolis.
The flooding comes after severe weather began Aug. 11 and continued affecting parts of the state through Aug. 15-16. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security says Gov. Mike Braun issued an emergency disaster declaration on June 19 for 63 counties after severe weather, flooding, tornadic activity and a derecho in June 2026.
By the numbers
- 6 - At least six people had died in Indiana as of Aug. 16, 2026.
- 5 - Officials had reported at least five deaths by Aug. 15, 2026.
- 63 counties - Covered by Gov. Mike Braun’s June 19 emergency disaster declaration.
Yes, but: The exact identities of all six victims were not fully confirmed in the reporting reviewed.
What's next: Rain was expected to ease in Indianapolis and other parts of Indiana on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026.