Story perspectives

White River Flood Breaks 1913 Record, 170 Evacuated

8/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness declared a disaster emergency on Saturday as the White River flooded.
The White River crested at 23.96 feet, breaking the 1913 record, and peaked at 24.6 feet, forcing 170 residents to evacuate.
Carmel evacuated 40 residents and closed Hazel Dell Parkway south of 106th Street.
Hamilton County reported over 160 families received evacuation assistance, no serious injuries, and that Operations director Chad Knecht warned the flood was not over.

History

Historical Context

The Great Flood of 1913, which battered Indiana and Ohio from March 23-26 1913, left up to 200 dead in Indiana and caused about $25 million in damages (1913 dollars). That disaster spurred the 1914 Ohio Conservancy Act and the creation of conservancy districts for flood control. Today, a White River rise to 23.96 feet prompted Mayor Scott Fadness to declare an emergency, echoing the historic response.

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Story summary

Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness declared a disaster emergency on Saturday as the White River flooded.
The White River crested at 23.96 feet, breaking the 1913 record, and peaked at 24.6 feet, forcing 170 residents to evacuate.
Carmel evacuated 40 residents and closed Hazel Dell Parkway south of 106th Street.
Hamilton County reported over 160 families received evacuation assistance, no serious injuries, and that Operations director Chad Knecht warned the flood was not over.

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