At least seven people have died after days of heavy rain caused major flooding across Indiana. Floodwaters began to fall in some areas on Sunday, but many communities were still dealing with serious damage.
The storms started on Aug. 11. Heavy rain fell across large parts of the state. Rivers rose quickly, roads were washed out and homes were flooded.
Indianapolis was among the hardest hit areas. The White River rose to dangerous levels, forcing water into homes and businesses near the river.
Frank Gounder was one of the residents cleaning up in Indianapolis on Sunday. It was also his 37th birthday.
Gounder lives on the city’s north side, less than a mile from the White River. Floodwater entered his home and workshop after rising through his driveway.
The water reached about 2 feet inside the buildings. It damaged furniture, materials and work that Gounder had been making.
He spent Sunday checking what could still be saved. Much of his work had been under water.
The flooding has caused major losses for many residents. Some people have lost homes, vehicles, furniture and other property.
Gounder said the damage was hard to accept at first. He later realized there was little he could do but begin the long process of cleaning up.
State officials said seven people had died in the storms and flooding. The victims included a 4-year-old boy, three men and three women.
One of the latest deaths was reported in Henry County, east of Indianapolis. A 31-year-old cyclist was found dead early Sunday in a large hole that opened in a damaged road.
Henry County Coroner Brian Clark said the man, James Briar, may have gone around a road barrier. He then appears to have fallen into the collapsed section of the road.
The incident shows the dangers that can remain after floodwater begins to fall. Roads can be damaged or weakened even when the water level is lower.
The youngest known victim died Tuesday in Jennings County in southern Indiana. Officials said a tree fell through a bedroom during strong winds and killed the 4-year-old boy.
Cody Low, chief deputy at the Jennings County Sheriff’s Office, said the death was unexpected. He said the community would work together through the disaster.
Another victim was 19-year-old Matthew Morey. His body was recovered Saturday in Delaware County, east of Indianapolis.
Officials said Morey had jumped from a bridge into the fast moving Mississinewa River with friends three days earlier.
Family and friends later gathered at the bridge to remember Morey. The recent high school graduate had planned to attend Purdue University.
Officials also used the gathering to warn people about the dangers of swollen rivers. Flood water can move with great force and may be much deeper than it appears.
Delaware County Sheriff Tony Skinner expressed sympathy for Morey’s family and friends. He said the loss of a child brings deep pain.
Another victim was identified as 58-year-old Stephanie Sallee. Authorities said Sallee and her dog were found dead in a cornfield on Friday.
Her car was found nearby. Officials believe she had been driving on a flooded road when her vehicle was swept away.
Sallee’s family remembered her as a kind and lively woman who loved her grandchildren and younger relatives.
The deaths have added to the damage caused by the storms. As floodwaters recede, officials and residents are now assessing roads, homes and businesses.
Some roads remain unsafe because of washouts and other damage. Officials are urging people to avoid flooded areas and stay away from fast moving rivers.
The cleanup could take time. Residents must remove damaged items, repair buildings and check roads before normal life can return.
For many families, the work will also come with the pain of losing loved ones. Indiana communities are now facing both the physical damage and the human cost of the historic flooding.
