Written from press release

WASHINGTON — August 15, 2026

President Donald Trump has approved an emergency declaration for 53 Indiana counties affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding that began Aug. 11, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The declaration authorizes FEMA to coordinate federal relief efforts and provide resources intended to protect lives, property, public health and safety.

Owen, Orange and Morgan counties are among those covered by the declaration. Monroe County was not included in the initial list.

FEMA said the agency may identify, mobilize and provide equipment and other resources needed to address the effects of the storms. Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, will receive 75% federal funding.

The declaration covers Allen, Bartholomew, Boone, Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Dearborn, Decatur, Delaware, Fayette, Fountain, Franklin, Fulton, Grant, Hamilton, Hancock, Harrison, Hendricks, Henry, Jasper, Jay, Jefferson, Jennings, Knox, Kosciusko, Lake, LaPorte, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Miami, Morgan, Newton, Orange, Owen, Parke, Perry, Pike, Porter, Pulaski, Randolph, Ripley, Rush, Shelby, St. Joseph, Starke, Tipton, Union, Wabash, Warren, Washington, Wayne and White counties.

Darrin Ricketts was appointed federal coordinating officer for response operations in the affected areas.

Additional counties could be designated later if requested by the state and supported by further damage assessments, FEMA said.