Federal Disaster Aid Approved for Indiana After Devastating August Storms

Help is on the way for Hoosiers still recovering from the destructive storms and flooding that tore across Indiana earlier this month.

Governor Mike Braun announced Tuesday, August 25, that the federal government has approved a major disaster declaration for Indiana through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The declaration opens the door to federal assistance for individuals, households, and communities affected by the severe weather.

The declaration follows the historic severe weather and flooding that began August 11 and caused widespread damage across the state.

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Federal Assistance Approved for Indiana

Braun formally requested an expedited major disaster declaration on August 20.

Five days later, that request was approved for multiple Indiana counties.

"This critical support will help Hoosiers recovering from historic storms and flooding," Braun said in announcing the approval. "We’re grateful for this partnership as we work to rebuild, recover, and help communities get back on their feet.”

According to the governor's office, the expedited declaration will make millions of dollars in federal funding available to assist with recovery.

Read More: Indiana Hit By a Derecho But What Does That Mean?

21 Indiana Counties Approved for Individual Assistance

Individual Assistance, which is intended to help individuals and households affected by the disaster, has been approved for the following counties:

• Carroll
• Dearborn
• Decatur
• Delaware
• Fayette
• Franklin
• Hamilton
• Hancock
• Henry
• Lake
• LaPorte
• Madison
• Marion
• Morgan
• Porter
• Pulaski
• Randolph
• Rush
• Tipton
• Union
• Wayne

11 Counties Approved for Public Assistance

A second group of counties has been approved for Public Assistance, which provides federal assistance for emergency work and repairing or replacing disaster-damaged public facilities.

Those counties are:

• Delaware
• Fayette
• Franklin
• Hamilton
• Henry
• Lake
• LaPorte
• Madison
• Porter
• Tipton
• Wayne

Read More: Hoosiers Warned to Stay Alert for Scammers After Severe Weather

More Indiana Counties Could Still Be Added

If your county isn't listed, that doesn't necessarily mean federal assistance is off the table.

The governor's office says counties not currently included in the Individual Assistance or Public Assistance declarations may still become eligible as additional reviews and data collection continue.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security and FEMA are expected to provide additional information, including next steps for those affected.