Dozens rescued from historic flooding in Indiana as Midwest storms continue

FEMA flood maps under scrutiny

An NPR investigation, corroborated by two sources, found that for decades FEMA flood maps have failed to take rainfall and flash flooding into account, relying instead on risk data from coastal storm surges and large river flooding. Critics say the maps underestimate the danger faced by inland communities hit by intense, slow-moving storms, leaving residents and local officials with limited tools to plan for disasters of this kind.

Indiana resident Cyndee Gillmore, one of those affected by the flooding, described the sudden onset of the water and the scramble to reach higher ground. Her account echoed those of other residents who said they had received little warning before streets became impassable.

Mike Braun, identified in reporting on the response, has been among the officials coordinating with state and federal agencies as the situation developed. The National Weather Service continued to issue flood warnings and flash flood watches across the region, urging residents to monitor local alerts.

Outlook and recovery

Climate researchers have increasingly linked the intensity of inland rainfall events to a warming atmosphere, which can hold more moisture and produce heavier downpours. While the immediate focus in Indiana remains search, rescue and shelter, the longer-term question of how to update federal flood risk modeling has resurfaced in the wake of the disaster.

Insurance adjusters and disaster recovery specialists began arriving in affected counties to begin damage assessments. Officials cautioned that the full scope of destruction to homes, infrastructure and crops would not be known until the water recedes and crews can safely access the hardest-hit areas.

The National Weather Service said additional rounds of heavy rain were possible through the weekend, raising the risk that already-swollen rivers and saturated ground could produce new flooding. Residents were advised to keep emergency supplies on hand and to follow guidance from local emergency management agencies.

Reporting on the disaster was carried by AP and partner outlets. A note accompanying the wire story read: "Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de AP con ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa."