Yesterday, Gov. Eric Holcomb added four counties to the disaster emergency he declared on Feb. 24 and Feb. 26 in response to widespread flooding and infrastructure damage caused by sustained heavy rainfall. The governor signed a new executive order to include Harrison, Jasper, Ohio, and Pulaski counties—in addition to Benton, Clark, Crawford, Floyd, Jefferson, Spencer, Warrick, Carroll, Dearborn, Elkhart, Fulton, Lake, Marshall, Perry, St. Joseph, Starke, Switzerland, and White counties—making 22 total counties covered by this disaster emergency declaration so far.

The disaster declaration means the state Department of Homeland Security can take necessary actions to provide expanded emergency services and is a step the state is required to take to request assistance from the federal government.

The State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was activated last week and continues to maintain a statewide operating picture concerning the status of the ongoing flooding and respond to requests for assistance from local officials. The EOC has directly assisted counties by coordinating the delivery of more than 700,000 sandbags, two water pumps, heavy equipment and vehicles, labor crews, traffic control, UAV photography, and subject matter expertise on disaster response and recovery. The State EOC will continue operating, monitoring the status of the ongoing situation, and providing support and resources across the state.

In addition to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, other agencies providing services and assistance include the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana State Police, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana Department of Correction, Indiana National Guard, Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, Indiana Board of Animal Health, Indiana Department of Agriculture, Indiana State Department of Health, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, and the American Red Cross. Indiana residents can report weather-related damages here.

In recent years, Indiana, and Indiana hospitals, have been dramatically affected by flooding, tornadoes, and other natural disasters. Thanks to the Indiana Hospital Employee Disaster Relief Fund, IHA has been able to help some of our members who have been dramatically affected by flooding, tornadoes, and other natural disasters. Learn more about the fund and the opportunity for your hospital to donate to the fund so IHA is immediately able to provide assistance to our employees in need here. ​