Gov. Braun requests Presidential Emergency Declaration following this week's severe weather

Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 10:27 AM

By Staff report

Governor Mike Braun requested a Presidential Emergency Declaration through FEMA to bring additional federal resources to Indiana as the state continues responding to the severe weather, historic flooding, tornadic activity and a derecho that began impacting Indiana on Aug. 11.

“I will do everything in my power to protect Hoosier lives and livelihoods as we respond to this historic severe weather," said Gov. Braun. "I have mobilized state and local resources, declared a Statewide Disaster Emergency and deployed the Indiana National Guard. Now, I am requesting immediate federal assistance to strengthen those efforts and provide direct assistance to impacted communities.”

This Presidential Emergency Declaration requests federal assistance for emergency response costs, for example, to help agencies carry out swift water rescues, expedite power restoration efforts, and support other immediate response activities in impacted communities.

This ongoing emergency has resulted in deaths and injuries, destruction of homes, businesses, and infrastructure, the displacement of families, and the disruption of emergency services and communications. Power outages peaked at more than 300,000; flooding, which reached 100-year marks in some locations, closed and damaged roads.

Gov. Braun and state emergency officials continue coordinating resources across Indiana as communities respond and begin recovery efforts. State agencies and the Indiana National Guard remain mobilized to support local officials and first responders and address needs as they arise.

Resources for Hoosiers:

In an Emergency: Always call 911
Cooling Centers: Visit on.in.gov/coolingcenters
Red Cross Shelters: Click here, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or download the free Red Cross Emergency App for access to shelter information
Report Damage: Indiana 211 is activated for Dearborn, Franklin, Henry, Lake, LaPorte, Madison, Newton, Pike, Porter, Pulaski and Wayne Counties. Call 211 (or 866-211-9966) or visit the 211 website to report damage sustained on your property.
Lane Closures and Road Conditions: Visit 511in.org
Travel Advisory Map: Visit on.in.gov/travel-status