At least seven people have died after days of heavy rain caused major flooding across Indiana. Floodwaters began to fall in some areas on Sunday, but the state was still dealing with damage from the storms.
The severe weather began on Aug. 11. Heavy rain caused rivers to rise fast and sent water into homes, roads and fields.
Indianapolis was among the areas hit hard. The White River rose to dangerous levels and flooded parts of the city.
Frank Gounder was among the residents dealing with the damage Sunday. The day was also his 37th birthday.
Gounder lives on the north side of Indianapolis, less than a mile from the White River. Water moved up his driveway and later entered his home and workshop.
The water reached about 2 feet inside the buildings. It damaged furniture, wood and other materials used in his work.
Gounder spent Sunday looking through his damaged belongings. He hoped to find furniture and materials that could still be saved.
The flooding has left many residents facing a long cleanup. Homes, cars, businesses and personal items were damaged by the rising water.
State officials said the seven deaths included a 4-year-old boy, three men and three women.
One of the latest victims was a 31-year-old cyclist in Henry County, east of Indianapolis. His body was found early Sunday inside a large hole in a damaged road.
Henry County Coroner Brian Clark said the man, James Briar, may have gone around a road barrier. He appears to have fallen into the road after part of it collapsed.
The incident shows that danger can remain after floodwaters begin to fall. Roads can be weak, broken or hidden under water.
In Jennings County, a 4-year-old boy was killed Tuesday. Officials said a tree crashed through his bedroom during strong winds.
Cody Low, chief deputy at the Jennings County Sheriff’s Office, said the death was unexpected. He said the community would support each other during the difficult time.
Another victim was 19-year-old Matthew Morey of Delaware County. His body was recovered Saturday after he went into the swollen Mississinewa River.
Officials said Morey had jumped from a bridge into the river with friends three days before his body was found.
Morey had recently graduated from high school and planned to attend Purdue University. Family and friends gathered at the bridge to remember him.
The gathering also brought a warning about swollen rivers. Fast water can be extremely dangerous, even when it looks calm from the shore.
Delaware County Sheriff Tony Skinner expressed sympathy for Morey’s family, friends and classmates. He said there were no easy words for the loss.
Authorities also confirmed the death of 58-year-old Stephanie Sallee. She and her dog were found dead in a cornfield Friday.
Her car was found nearby. Officials believe Sallee was driving on a flooded road when the water swept away her vehicle.
Sallee’s family described her as kind, lively and loving. They said she cared deeply for her grandchildren and other young family members.
The deaths have added a tragic human cost to the widespread flooding. As water levels fall, officials are turning more attention to damage and recovery.
Flooding damaged roads in several areas. Some roads may remain unsafe because of washouts and collapsed sections.
Residents are being urged to stay away from flooded roads and rivers. Even shallow water can hide major damage beneath the surface.
The cleanup will take time. Homeowners and business owners must remove damaged items and repair buildings. Roads and other public areas will also need checks before they can fully reopen.
The flooding has changed daily life for many Indiana families. Some residents are now focused on finding safe places to stay, while others are trying to save what they can from damaged homes.
The state is also dealing with the loss of seven lives. For the families of those who died, the recovery will be much more than a task of repairing homes and roads.
As the rain eases and rivers fall, Indiana communities are beginning the long recovery. Officials will continue to assess the damage while residents work to rebuild after days of dangerous storms and record flooding.
