Seven killed in Indiana floods as record rainfall leaves thousands without power

Indiana has been hit by major flooding after several days of severe storms and heavy rainfall, with at least seven people losing their lives in different parts of the U.S. state.

Among the victims is a four-year-old child. A 31-year-old cyclist also died after ending up on a section of road that had collapsed due to floodwaters.

The worst effects have been reported in central Indiana and Indianapolis, where high flows have significantly raised river levels. The White River has exceeded levels not recorded for more than a century.

Over a 48-hour period, around 28 centimeters of rain fell in some areas, causing widespread flooding in neighborhoods and residential areas.

Hundreds of people have been evacuated from their homes, while emergency crews have used boats to rescue people isolated by the water. Many roads have been completely submerged, while bridges, buildings and other infrastructure have suffered major damage.

Although water levels have begun to recede in some areas, authorities say the danger remains. In Indiana, more than 106,000 customers are still without electricity, a figure lower than at the height of the storms, when around 300,000 customers lost power.

Severe weather has also been recorded in other Midwestern states, including Illinois, Ohio and Kentucky. Tornadoes, powerful storms, strong winds and flash floods have caused damage in several areas.

Wind speeds have reached up to 160 kilometers per hour, bringing down trees, damaging buildings and knocking down power lines.

In Denver, heavy hail has covered the roads, which authorities have been forced to clear using special equipment.

Indiana Governor Mike Brown has declared a state of emergency across the state. Federal aid has also been approved to address the damage caused by the disaster.

As conditions in Indiana gradually stabilize, the extreme weather system is moving eastward.

Flood warnings remain active in parts of West Virginia, southeastern Ohio and northeastern Kentucky. Expected rainfall could cause fast-moving and dangerous floods.

Authorities have urged drivers to avoid traveling on roads covered by water. They said currents may be powerful, while the road surface may have been damaged or washed away beneath the water.

In Indiana, receding water levels are gradually revealing the extent of the damage. Emergency services are shifting from immediate response efforts to assessing the consequences and restoring homes, businesses, roads and key infrastructure.