USA – 8 Killed in Ohio and Indiana Floods

by in News, USA

At least 8 people have died and dozens were evacuated or rescued after flash flooding in parts of Ohio and Indiana, USA, following days of heavy rain.

Tragedy occurred in Indiana when flood waters damaged roads and a bridge over Sanes Creek in Laurel, Franklin County. Flood water swept away several vehicles from the bridge on 20 March. Local authorities report that 6 people died in the incident.

Heavy rain also caused flooding in parts of Ohio, in particular in areas around Columbus. NWS Wilmington, Ohio, said that Columbus set a record for rainfall for the date 20 March, recording 2.88 inches (73.15mm), breaking the previous record of 1.6 inches (40.64mm) set in 1984.

Almost 30 roads were closed in central parts of the state after flooding or landslides, according to Ohio Department of Transport. Local media reported that 2 motorists in Harrison and Tuscarawas counties lost their lives after driving into flood waters.

Around 40 people evacuated their homes in Franklin Township, near Columbus. Others had to be rescued from flooded areas south of Columbus.

Evacuations and flood rescues were also carried out in Heath and Newark in Licking County. The South Fork of Licking River near Buckeye Lake reached record levels of 881.89 feet on 20 March.

Hundreds of Ohio National Guardsmen have been deployed to distribute supplies to affected areas.

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