Indiana's Worst Flooding in a Century Leaves 7 Dead, Thousands Displaced

At least seven people have died and 300,000 homes and businesses lost power in Indiana as the state has been hammered by heavy rain over the weekend and into Monday.   

More than 2.2 million people in the state remained under flood warnings Monday morning. That's according to the National Weather Service. And 104,000 homes and businesses remained without power Monday.  

Indiana Governor Mike Braun declared a Statewide Disaster Emergency. Parts of the state endured more than 11 inches of rain over the course of two days. Central Indiana was hit hardest. The White River crested at over 24 feet in some parts. That's a foot higher than its previous record high, set in 1913. In Yorktown, the local public library flooded. Officials posted pictures of books floating in hip-deep waters.   

"Seeing our library in this state yesterday was nothing short of devastating. We're definitely all feeling a little heartbroken," the library said in a social media post. 

President Trump approved Governor Braun’s request for a presidential emergency declaration. Doing so frees up $5 million in relief aid. On Sunday, the NFL’s Colts and the NBA’s Pacers each pledged $125,000 to the American Red Cross to help. And state leaders discussed how to better prepare for future disasters.   

Jacob Spence described it as a "100-year flood." That means it's the type of event that happens only once every 100 years. He's the head of Marion County Emergency Management. "Hopefully, we can make it better for the next time," he said.     

Reflect: When something unexpected disrupts your community, what do you think helps people get through it together?

Photo of heavy floods in gas station and roads from Cambridge City, Indiana from Reuters.