Indiana’s deadliest flooding in more than a century has left seven people dead and more than 1,000 residents displaced — and as of Thursday morning, August 20, the crisis is not over: the Wabash River at Terre Haute is expected to crest Thursday at 25.1 feet, nearly nine feet above its flood stage of 16.5 feet, bringing fresh flood risk to Vigo County even as Indianapolis begins cleaning up after last week’s record White River crests.
For displaced Hoosiers, the most consequential development right now is not meteorological — it is bureaucratic. The presidential Major Disaster Declaration that would unlock FEMA housing grants, Small Business Administration disaster loans, and individual assistance programs for uninsured and underinsured residents has not yet been approved. Gov. Mike Braun announced Monday that the state would file the request within two days, and Indiana DHS Executive Director Jonathan Whitham confirmed at a Monday press conference that FEMA and state officials are conducting damage assessments across counties to support that application. Until the Major Disaster Declaration is issued — and until FEMA approves it, which Braun said he expects within seven to ten days — the more than 1,000 displaced Indiana residents cannot apply for federal individual assistance programs.
What Help Is Available Right Now
Residents in the 53 federally designated counties do not have to wait. The state of Indiana has activated its Disaster Relief Fund, which provides $5,000 emergency relief grants for emergency food, clothing, and basic needs. The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority is also issuing temporary housing vouchers to move displaced residents from emergency shelters into hotels, apartments, and other temporary accommodations.
To apply, call 211 or visit the Indiana 211 portal — do not attempt to apply on FEMA’s DisasterAssistance.gov yet, because doing so before the Major Disaster Declaration is issued may delay your FEMA assistance once it becomes available…