(CAMBRIDGE CITY) - Governor Mike Braun on Thursday declared a statewide disaster emergency.
He also mobilized the Indiana National Guard as he continues leading Indiana's coordinated response to widespread damage, power outages and flooding caused by this week's severe storms and derecho.
Braun traveled to Cambridge City to assess significant flash flooding and coordinate response efforts with local officials, first responders and state emergency management officials. The community is among several across Indiana dealing with significant flooding.
Braun signed Executive Order 26-21, declaring a statewide disaster emergency. The declaration finds that state assistance is necessary to supplement local resources and directs the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) to enlist the support of other state agencies and provide needed emergency services to impacted counties. It also directs IDHS to coordinate necessary assistance among federal, state and local agencies.
State agencies are responding to requests from communities across Indiana, including boats and personnel for water rescues, heavy equipment and crews for debris removal, traffic control, emergency generators, oxygen support, fuel and evacuation assistance.
Braun also authorized the mobilization of the Indiana National Guard to provide additional manpower and resources in Gary, Munster and Hobart. They are positioned for life-saving activities as well as cleanup and support.