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.
Social Media
Our Franklin Township Fire, Police and Road Department first responders have been out assisting residents impacted by flooding. pic.twitter.com/ZMlDHo9Ldh
— Franklin Township (@Franklin_Twp) March 20, 2020
I-70 FLOODING UPDATE: The EB lanes remain closed at SR 79 due to high water. We are currently letting truck traffic through WB, but the water is still too high for cars. Cars will continue to be detoured until the water goes down. pic.twitter.com/c07J260Umi
— ODOT EastCentralOhio (@ODOT_EastCenOH) March 21, 2020
This is the current situation in SR 79 in Licking County. ODOT is assisting the City of Heath with this road closure. Road is closed north of James Parkway. pic.twitter.com/e6a9wy4Ejz
— ODOT EastCentralOhio (@ODOT_EastCenOH) March 20, 2020
[10:20 PM] The South Fork of the Licking River at I-70 near Buckeye Lake has reached RECORD levels — 881.89ft. This continues to result in closures (or least partial closures) of portions of I-70 in this area. Water levels should be receding through Saturday morning. pic.twitter.com/0moGS3Ftxb
— NWS Wilmington OH (@NWSILN) March 21, 2020