Mike Braun declared a statewide disaster emergency on Thursday as flooding in Indiana spread across Cambridge City and other affected areas. Residents in Cambridge City, Dearborn County and Delaware County were dealing with evacuations and rescue operations while more severe storms were expected later Thursday.
Cambridge City flood response
Karlie Frey, a Cambridge City resident, was evacuated from her home on Wednesday by rescue boat. She said, "When I looked out my window, I saw my fence floating past my window," and later added, "I've never seen it get this bad."
Her account captured how fast the water rose in a community already dealing with significant flooding. Braun was expected to meet with first responders in Cambridge City and survey the damage there.
Whitewater River evacuations
Emergency management officials in Dearborn County and Hamilton County, Ohio, ordered residents along the Whitewater River to evacuate Thursday night. Authorities described the flooding there as "unprecedented" and "dangerous," while Indiana recorded three storm-related deaths this week.
In Delaware County, rescue operations resumed Thursday for one person after four people reportedly went into the Mississinewa River on Wednesday. Three people were rescued from the river Wednesday night, showing that the emergency response was still active when the new warning was issued.
Thursday storms in Indiana
Braun said, "Hoosiers' safety is my top priority. Our state response is fully mobilized, resources are moving where they're needed, and we will continue working around the clock to support every impacted community." The statement came as the National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center said severe isolated storms were expected Thursday across Iowa and Illinois, including Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Springfield and Peoria.
Storms from Des Moines to Lexington and Knoxville had the potential to train over the same areas and produce rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour. Flood watches also remained in effect in Iowa, Kentucky and North Carolina, leaving Indiana exposed to more rain while crews were still working rescues and damage assessments.
For residents in Cambridge City and along the Whitewater River, the immediate next step is to follow evacuation orders and stay clear of rising water as the state response centers on the areas already hit hardest.
