(Indianapolis, IN) – Indiana Gov. Mike Braun has declared a statewide disaster emergency following widespread flooding, severe weather, tornado activity and a derecho that caused significant damage across the state.
Braun signed Executive Order 26-21 on Thursday, August 13. The declaration is effective immediately and will remain in effect for 30 days.
The order says severe weather that began August 11 and continued through August 12 damaged homes, businesses, infrastructure and other structures across Indiana. The storms also caused power outages, downed trees and power lines, flooding, road damage and closures, and injuries.
Braun said state assistance is needed to supplement local resources as communities respond to and recover from the storms.
The executive order directs the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to enlist support from other state agencies as needed and provide emergency services to counties affected by the storms.
IDHS Executive Director Joel Thacker is also directed to coordinate necessary assistance with federal, state and local agencies.
The statewide declaration does not mean every Indiana county suffered the same level of damage. It gives state government broader authority to coordinate resources and assistance for areas impacted by the severe weather.
