Kathmandu— At least five people have died in the US state of Indiana following a week of intense storms and subsequent flooding across the Midwestern region. Rescue workers are actively searching for stranded individuals as waterways overflowed their banks, inundating homes and communities. Governor Mike Braun requested a presidential emergency declaration on Friday to secure additional resources, which President Donald Trump has pledged to approve. The flooding, described by Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett as the worst in over 30 years, was triggered by rainfall exceeding 280mm (11 inches) in some areas.

Storm Impacts and Rescue Efforts

Authorities report that rescue workers have been utilizing boats to reach individuals trapped in homes surrounded by rising floodwaters. The White River in Indianapolis was among the waterways that breached its banks, contributing significantly to the dangerous conditions. In Delaware County, sheriff’s deputies discovered the body of a 58-year-old woman believed to have died while attempting to drive through flooded roadways.

Fatalities Reported Across Multiple Counties

Beyond the death in Delaware County, authorities confirmed several other fatalities linked to the severe weather. A four-year-old child died after a tree fell on a home in Jennings County earlier this week. Law enforcement also recovered the body of a teenager who went missing Wednesday after jumping into a river. The circumstances surrounding each incident highlight the dangers posed by both floodwaters and storm debris.

Governor Requests, Receives Federal Assistance

Indiana Governor Mike Braun formally requested a presidential emergency declaration on Friday to unlock greater federal resources for the state’s response and recovery efforts. He announced Saturday that President Trump had committed to approving the request. “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 stated in a social media post.

Warnings Issued as Waters Remain High

Officials continue to urge residents to exercise extreme caution and avoid driving through flooded areas. Authorities warn that vehicles can quickly become stranded in even shallow floodwaters, posing a significant risk to occupants. Governor Braun emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “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.” He implored residents to take flooding seriously and stay away from floodwaters.

Emergency services remain active throughout affected areas as they continue rescue efforts and assess the full extent of the damage. Residents are encouraged to heed all warnings and follow guidance from local authorities.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.