At least six people have died in the flooding, while hundreds of residents have been rescued and communities across the state have suffered extensive damage.
Search for Matthew Morey Ends in Tragedy
Morey had been reported missing after he and several other people entered the river on Wednesday.
Authorities have not established why the group went into the water.
Delaware County Sheriff’s Office deputies managed to rescue three people, but they were unable to find Morey.
Dangerous river conditions forced officials to suspend the search on Thursday as floodwaters continued to rise.
The teenager had recently graduated from high school and was preparing to attend Purdue University, according to reports.
Mother Held Onto Hope
While rescuers searched for her son, Morey’s mother, Angie, made an emotional plea for help.
Speaking to NBC News on Friday, she described her desperation at being unable to reach the area because the current was too dangerous.
She said she would have gone into the water herself if she had access to a boat, while acknowledging that authorities had warned people against entering the river.
Despite the circumstances, Angie continued to hope that her son would still be found alive.
His death was later confirmed when search crews recovered his body.
Family Remembers Beloved Stephanie Jo Sallee
Stephanie Jo Sallee, 58, was another victim of the flooding.
Sallee and her dog, Faith, died after the floodwaters swept through the area.
Her body was discovered in a cornfield in a rural part of Yorktown on Friday, according to her family.
Relatives remembered her as a compassionate woman who had endured numerous hardships without losing her kindness toward others.
They said Sallee never judged people and had always remained loving and caring.
Her family was particularly important to her, with relatives recalling how much she adored her nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
More Victims Yet to Be Identified
Authorities have said that at least six people, including Morey, have died as a result of the flooding.
A four-year-old boy and two other women are also among those killed, although officials had not released their identities at the time of the report.
The disaster has displaced countless residents, destroyed homes and left communities dealing with rapidly changing conditions.
More Than 70 People Rescued
The scale of the emergency became clear as rescue operations continued across the state.
Indianapolis Fire Department spokesperson Rita Reith said at least 70 people had been rescued by Saturday.
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett declared a national emergency on Friday following days of intense rainfall that caused creeks and streams to overflow.
Hogsett described the flooding as the city’s worst in more than three decades and warned that conditions were changing rapidly.
Officials Describe Unprecedented Flooding
Jacob Spence, director of Marion County Emergency Management, described the disaster as a once-in-a-lifetime event.
He said the flooding was unprecedented and had produced new records.
The National Weather Service reported that some parts of Indiana received more than 11 inches of rain over a two-day period, overwhelming waterways and triggering widespread flooding.
President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration for Indiana, making federal disaster assistance available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Toddler Fighting for Her Life
Among those caught in the disaster is two-year-old Alayna, who remains critically ill after being found drowning in the flooded basement of her family’s home in Rush County.
The toddler was at home with her mother, Becky, and her 13-year-old brother, Liem, when floodwater entered the property, according to a family fundraiser.
Liem reportedly called emergency services after discovering his sister in the water.
Becky then performed CPR on the child.
Because the flooding was too severe for emergency crews to reach the house directly, a local farmer used a tractor to help responders get to the family.
Alayna Remains in Intensive Care
Alayna was airlifted to Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, where she remains in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
She has been placed on a ventilator and has suffered a bacterial infection in her lungs.
Her family said attempts to reduce her breathing support have so far been unsuccessful.
There was some encouraging news when her EEG monitor was removed after doctors observed no signs of seizure activity.
However, her condition remains critical as her family continues to seek support.
Communities Rally Around the Victims
The disaster has prompted an outpouring of support for families affected by the flooding.
A Meal Train fundraiser was established for the Morey family, with supporters asked to provide financial assistance or gift cards rather than meals.
More than $15,000 had been raised by Sunday morning.
Residents also gathered for a large candlelight vigil honouring Matthew, with his grieving family standing at the front of the gathering.
A separate fundraiser for Alayna and her family had raised more than $11,400 by Sunday morning.
As rescue teams continue responding to the unprecedented flooding, affected families are left mourning those they have lost while communities work to support survivors facing the difficult aftermath.
