Gov. Braun requests Presidential Emergency Declaration

On Friday afternoon, Aug. 14, Governor Mike Braun requested a Presidential Emergency Declaration through FEMA to bring additional federal resources to Indiana as the state continues responding to the severe weather, historic flooding, tornadic activity, and a derecho that began impacting Indiana on Aug. 11.

“I will do everything in my power to protect Hoosier lives and livelihoods as we respond to this historic severe weather,” Gov. Braun said. “I have mobilized state and local resources, declared a Statewide Disaster Emergency and deployed the Indiana National Guard. Now, I am requesting immediate federal assistance to strengthen those efforts and provide direct assistance to impacted communities.”

This Presidential Emergency Declaration requests federal assistance for emergency response costs, for example, to help agencies carry out swift water rescues, expedite power restoration efforts, and support other immediate response activities in impacted communities.

This ongoing emergency has resulted in deaths and injuries, destruction of homes, businesses, and infrastructure, the displacement of families, and the disruption of emergency services and communications. Power outages peaked at more than 300,000; flooding, which reached 100-year marks in some locations, closed and damaged roads.

Gov. Braun and state emergency officials continue coordinating resources across Indiana as communities respond and begin recovery efforts. State agencies and the Indiana National Guard remain mobilized to support local officials and first responders and address needs as they arise.

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Banks

On Friday evening, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) announced his support of Gov. Braun’s request for a Presidential Emergency Declaration.

“I have notified FEMA and the Trump administration that I support Governor Mike Braun’s Emergency Declaration request, and I ask them to honor it,” Sen. Banks said. “My office is on-the-ground, working with the state and local partners to facilitate relief efforts, and we stand ready to assist all impacted Hoosiers.”