Indiana Gov. Mike Braun declared a statewide disaster emergency this week due to the impact of severe storms, flooding, tornadic activity, and derecho.
"This declaration mobilizes state agencies, unlocks emergency resources and gives us additional tools to support local response and recovery efforts," Braun said. "Our state response is fully mobilized, resources are moving where they’re needed, and we will continue working around the clock to support every impacted community."
Wind speed in Gary and Hammond on Aug. 11 surged past 99 and 90 mph, respectively, while Newcastle and Henry County were slammed with up to 10 inches of rain, according to National Weather Service data.
“We did unfortunately have one confirmed fatality at this point from the storms yesterday and that was a four-year-old child in Jennings County,” Whitham told reporters. “We have two other reports of fatalities that are unconfirmed at this point that may be storm-related."
Braun noted that Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) has endured the brunt of power loss.
NIPSCO, headquartered in Merrillville, Indiana, is one of Indiana's largest public utility providers.
"They are the utility that's been hit with the most damage," Braun said. "This doesn't happen often, but you got to be prepared for it and we will be touching base with them constantly on it."
While the state Emergency Operations Center is running at an elevated Level 3 from normal daily operations, McDermott said 22,000 Hammon locations are without power.
When Level 3 is activated, state staffing is increased and there is active incident monitoring and responsiveness.
“It seems like we're starting to get power lights back, which I think is a good sign,” McDermott noted. “But I expect this to be prolonged. I know a number of contractors are in town right now to help out with the situation.”
State agencies that are assisting include the Indiana State Police, the National Guard, the Department of Correction (DOC), the Department of Transportation (INDOT), and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
An overnight shelter is operating in Gary at the YWCA on West 15th Avenue.
“We have public safety that's going to be there,” Melton said. “We'll be serving hot meals for families that are displaced. I just want to encourage folks to stay safe, stay out of high waters, and stay away from downed power lines.”