At least five dead in U.S. floods

Severe storms and widespread flooding have claimed the lives of at least five people in the U.S. state of Indiana since Tuesday.

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My thoughts go out to the families and loved ones of the five Hoosiers we have lost, as well as to all the families whose lives have been changed by these storms.

Among the victims is a four-year-old boy who died when a tree collapsed onto his family's home. Another fatality involved a female motorist who was overcome by floodwaters while driving through a submerged area.

Indiana's Republican Governor, Mike Braun, expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased. He urged residents, known as "Hoosiers," to heed the warnings and stay clear of flooded regions. The governor has formally requested federal assistance from President Donald Trump to aid in the disaster response.

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Continue to take the floods seriously, and stay away from flooded areas.

Record water levels have been observed in several Indiana rivers following heavy rainfall over the past week. Significant damage has occurred along rivers in Hamilton County and the northern suburbs of Indianapolis. Rescue operations, including the use of boats, have been underway to save residents and pets trapped by the rising waters. Indianapolis Fire Department spokesperson Rita Reith reported that 95 people and 45 pets have been rescued so far. Mayor Joe Hogsett warned that conditions could change rapidly, describing the floods as the worst in over three decades.

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Conditions can change rapidly.