At least five reported dead amid flooding in US state of Indiana
Authorities in the Midwestern United States have reported at least five deaths in Indiana after the state was struck with fierce storms and flooding.Rescue workers continue to seek out those stranded by the storms, which drenched Indiana over the past week.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Storm Lala strengthens into a Category 1 hurricane as it nears Hawaiilist 2 of 3Record rainfall leaves four dead, thousands stranded in Japanlist 3 of 3Death toll from Zimbabwe ferry disaster rises to 72end of listGovernor Mike Braun had called for a presidential emergency declaration on Friday, in order to access greater resources for the state.On Saturday, he issued a public statement announcing that the federal government had pledged assistance.“I spoke with President [Donald] Trump today about the severe storms and historic flooding impacting Indiana, and he informed me that he intends to approve our request for a Presidential Emergency Declaration,” Braun, a Republican, wrote in a social media post.“I’m grateful to President Trump for his commitment to getting Hoosiers the federal assistance we need as we continue responding and recovering.”Emergency workers have used boats to rescue people from homes inundated by rising waters.The White River in Indianapolis, Indiana, was among the waterways that overflowed its banks over the last week, causing dangerous flooding.Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said that the area is experiencing its worst flooding in more than 30 years. The National Weather Service has reported that more than 280mm (11 inches) of rain fell over two days in some areas.Sheriff deputies in Delaware County said on Friday that they had found the body of a deceased 58-year-old woman, whom they believe died trying to drive her vehicle through floodwaters.Authorities caution against attempting to cross flooded areas in a car, warning that vehicles can become stranded.A four-year-old child also died after a tree fell on a home in Jennings County this week, and law enforcement found the body of a teen who was reported missing on Wednesday after jumping into a river.“My heart is with the families and loved ones of the five Hoosiers we have lost and every family whose life has been changed by these storms,” Braun said on Saturday. “Please continue to take flooding seriously and stay away from floodwaters.”
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