Gov. Mike Braun declared a state of disaster emergency Friday for 63 counties across Indiana following recent storms.
After flooding, severe weather, tornados and a derecho between June 6 and June 18 throughout the state, Braun declared a state of emergency in Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties, as well as Marion, Tippecanoe, Jasper and St. Joseph counties, according to a statement.
“Many Hoosier communities were impacted by the severe weather that swept through our state this week. This emergency declaration ensures that every available state resource is mobilized quickly to support response efforts, help local governments address urgent needs and help Hoosiers recover,” Braun said in a statement.
The disaster emergency, which will be in effect for 30 days, allows the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to provide financial assistance to impacted families under the State Disaster Relief Fund program, according to the statement.
The Lake County Board of Commissioners approved a local disaster emergency declaration Wednesday following last week’s storms.
Five tornados — three EF0, one EF2 and one EF3 — hit Cedar Lake, Schneider, St. John, Gary, Hobart and unincorporated areas of Lake County on June 11, according to the declaration.
The declaration directs that county services that can be offered under Indiana code in response to an emergency “be in full force and effect in the County for the exercise of all necessary emergency authority for protection of the lives and property of the people of this county.”
“All public offices and employees of Lake County are hereby directed to exercise the utmost diligence in the discharge of duties required of them for the duration of the emergency and in execution of emergency laws, regulations and directives — state and local,” the declaration states.
Board of Commissioners President Michael Repay previously said the declaration was made following state and federal rules. The declaration makes the county eligible for state and federal funds, but it doesn’t ensure funding, he said.
“The people and businesses affected are due relief and the Board of Commissioners stand with the victims of this natural disaster,” Repay previously said.
The Porter County Emergency Management Agency requested the Indiana Department of Homeland Security’s assistance in conducting damage assessments of properties throughout Porter County from the storms on June 11.
Collecting assessment data helps IDHS and Porter County determine if thresholds that trigger government assistance have been met.
Residents of Lake and Porter counties are still encouraged to contact Indiana 211 at 866-211-9966 or by going to in211.communityos.org to report severe storm damage.
Data collected from 211 will be used by the damage assessment teams being deployed. Agricultural damage should be reported to the Purdue Extension.
The confirmed tornadoes swept through the area and in Illinois on June 11, leaving thousands of people without power. An EF3 tornado, which has estimated wind speeds between 136 and 165 mph, caused extensive damage in the Kouts area, a National Weather Service crew confirmed.
In the aftermath of last Thursday night’s storm, a Palos Hills couple died due to carbon monoxide poisoning due to a portable generator filling their camper with gas in Portage. The couple used the generator after losing power in the storm, according to Portage fire officials.
