Indiana Mayor Pleads for Federal Disaster Declaration as Historic Floods Leave 7 Dead

Anderson Mayor Thomas Broderick Jr. is urgently requesting a Major Disaster Declaration from President Donald Trump to unlock FEMA individual assistance funds as Indiana recovers from historic flooding that killed at least seven people and displaced over 1,000 residents . The White River crested at a record 24.93 feet in Anderson and 24.6 feet in Noblesville, surpassing 1913 records, after 11 to 12 inches of rain fell in two days . While President Trump approved an Emergency Declaration on August 15, making $5 million available for government response, the Major Disaster Declaration remains unapproved . State officials estimate property damage is likely worth at least tens of millions of dollars . Residents like Tianna Caldwell, who lacks flood insurance, hope FEMA will help with restoration . The state has activated its Disaster Relief Fund, providing $5,000 emergency grants, and the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority is issuing temporary housing vouchers . The crisis continues as downstream counties face rising waters .