Indiana Governor Declares State of Disaster Emergency After Severe Weather

Governor Mike Braun announced a state of disaster emergency on Friday, affecting 63 counties in Indiana. This decision follows severe storms that hit the state between June 6 and June 18. The emergency declaration includes counties like Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Marion, Tippecanoe, Jasper, and St. Joseph.

The devastating weather included flooding, tornadoes, and a derecho, which have severely impacted the state’s infrastructure and communities. On June 15, cleanup efforts continued at Andrean High School in Merrillville, which was heavily damaged by a tornado.

In his statement, Braun emphasized the importance of mobilizing state resources quickly to support local responses and aid affected residents. The disaster emergency will last for 30 days, allowing the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to offer financial assistance through the State Disaster Relief Fund program.

In response to the storms, the Lake County Board of Commissioners issued a local disaster emergency declaration. The area experienced five tornadoes on June 11, impacting Cedar Lake, Schneider, St. John, Gary, Hobart, and other areas of Lake County. This declaration enabled the county to exercise emergency authority to protect lives and property.

Michael Repay, President of the Board of Commissioners, noted that while the county is now eligible for state and federal funds, funding is not guaranteed. He pledged support for the impacted residents and businesses, acknowledging their need for relief.

Meanwhile, the Porter County Emergency Management Agency has sought assistance from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to evaluate storm-related damage across Porter County. This assessment aims to determine eligibility for government assistance. Residents are encouraged to report storm damage to Indiana 211 for proper assessment.

A confirmed EF3 tornado, with winds ranging from 136 to 165 mph, caused extensive damage in the Kouts area. As a tragic aftermath of the storms, a couple in Portage lost their lives due to carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator used after a power outage.