At least six people have died in Indiana after days of heavy rain triggered historic flooding, forced evacuations, and prompted hundreds of water rescues across the state. Officials have described the event as the worst flooding to hit parts of central Indiana in more than 30 years; "This is an unprecedented event, and unfortunately we’re setting some new records,” Jacob Spence, the Director of Marion County Emergency Management, told The Associated Press, with the White River reaching or approaching record levels in several communities.

According to reporting by Reuters, the Indiana State Emergency Operations Center confirmed six people had died, including three females and two males in addition to a 4-year-old boy. Two deaths occurred in Delaware County, while Jennings, Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties each reported one fatality.

Weather forecasters are warning that additional flooding remains possible in parts of Indiana, while emergency officials say flood dangers remain ongoing.

Where Flooding Has Been Worst

The most severe flooding has occurred along the White River corridor, particularly in and around Indianapolis, Noblesville, Anderson, Ravenswood and Nora.

The National Weather Service (NWS) said major flooding remained underway along the White River and its tributaries, while local officials reported water levels exceeding benchmarks set during the historic 1913 flood in some communities.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said the city was experiencing its worst flooding in more than three decades. Hundreds of homes were evacuated Saturday as water inundated neighborhoods along the White River. Emergency crews used boats to reach stranded residents as floodwaters continued to rise.

State officials reported more than 350 evacuations in Delaware County, while additional evacuations occurred in Tipton County and other flood-affected communities. Indianapolis firefighters said they had rescued 95 people and 45 pets in 51 water rescues by Saturday afternoon.

Additional Indianapolis Areas At Risk

Local news outlet WishTV reported that Indianapolis officials have identified four additional areas at risk of flooding as the crest on the White River moved south through the city:

• Sunshine Gardens
• Southport Road near Indy Lakes Campground
• Areas south of Raymond Street along the White River
• Hi-Acre Manor

Residents in those locations were urged to prepare for possible evacuation if conditions worsened. Officials also ordered an immediate evacuation of River Road Apartments because erosion caused by floodwaters threatened structural stability.

Newsweek has contacted the Indianapolis Mayor's Office by email for comment.

Where Flood Warnings Remain In Effect

Numerous flood warnings remain active across Indiana. According to the NWS, the most significant include:

• White River near Nora: Major flooding remains in effect until Wednesday afternoon. The NWS said flooding there is approaching the “flood of record.”
• White River at Noblesville: Major flooding remains in effect until Wednesday evening, with evacuations and “extensive” road flooding reported.
• White River at Ravenswood: Flood warning remains in effect until early Thursday morning.
• White River at Anderson: Flood warning remains in effect until late Wednesday morning.
• White River at Spencer: Flooding is forecast until next Sunday, August 23.
• White River near Centerton: Flood warning remains in effect “until further notice."

Additional flood warnings remain active along portions of the Wabash River, Wildcat Creek, Tippecanoe River, East Fork White River, Driftwood River and other waterways across central, northern and western Indiana.

The NWS warned that some locations could remain above flood stage for days as runoff continues moving downstream.

What Residents Should Do

Emergency officials are urging residents in flood-prone areas to monitor local forecasts and heed evacuation orders immediately.

The NWS continues to stress its "Turn Around, Don't Drown" message, noting that shallow floodwaters can sweep vehicles from roads, and although most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles, “even 6 inches of fast-moving flood water” can knock a person off their feet.

Residents in areas near rivers, levees and flooded roadways should avoid travel, prepare evacuation plans, keep emergency supplies ready and move to higher ground if directed by local authorities.

Federal assistance is now available after President Donald Trump approved Indiana's emergency declaration request, allowing additional resources to support response and recovery efforts as floodwaters slowly move south through the state.

Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Ben Kelly and Cristina Diciu.