Indiana Governor Braun Declares Disaster Emergency for 63 Counties After Devastating Storms

Storms spanning two weeks prompt sweeping state response

Indiana Governor Mike Braun declared a state of disaster emergency for 63 of the state's 92 counties on June 19, covering damage from a string of severe weather events that struck between June 6 and June 18.wthr +1 The declaration — effective for 30 days — was triggered by a combination of flooding, tornadic activity, and a derecho that carved a path of destruction from the state's rural southern reaches to its densely populated northern suburbs.wrtv +1

"Many Hoosier communities were impacted by the severe weather that swept through our state this week," Braun said in a statement. "This emergency declaration ensures that every available state resource is mobilized quickly to support response efforts, help local governments address urgent needs, and help Hoosiers recover."wrtv

Tornadoes, derechos, and widespread flooding

At least five tornadoes were confirmed across southern Indiana, causing at least one injury.wrtv The storms also brought derecho-force straight-line winds — a type of fast-moving, widespread windstorm — along with flooding that overwhelmed roadways and neighborhoods. State and local emergency management crews began working the night of the initial strike, clearing debris, assessing damage, and working to restore power to hard-hit communities.wrtv The declared counties stretch from densely populated Marion, Lake, and Hamilton counties in the center and north of the state to rural communities across the south and east that often have fewer resources to mount recovery operations on their own.wrtv

What the declaration unlocks for residents

The emergency order authorizes the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to deploy the State Disaster Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to eligible individuals.wthr +1 The fund can cover documented storm-related expenses — including certain home repairs and temporary housing costs — for residents who are uninsured or underinsured and whose losses are not fully covered by private insurance or other aid programs.wane Hoosiers seeking individual assistance can apply through the state's online disaster relief portal; the public assistance program for local jurisdictions is not yet open but may become available as damage assessments are completed.wane

Recovery timeline still uncertain

The declaration covers a sprawling geography that includes major urban centers such as Indianapolis (Marion County), Fort Wayne (Allen County), South Bend (St. Joseph County), and Evansville (Vanderburgh County), along with dozens of smaller counties.wthr +1 Teams from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security are actively completing damage assessments across the state, and additional homeowners or jurisdictions may qualify for financial assistance as new data comes in.wane The 30-day window gives state agencies the authority and flexibility to accelerate response efforts before the declaration would need to be renewed or replaced by a federal disaster request.