Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Daily Update on Federal Disaster Response in Northwest Indiana

Today, I want to provide an update on the ongoing response and recovery efforts following the severe storms that began on August 11th. My office will continue to provide regular updates as we work with our local, state, and federal partners to make sure Northwest Indiana receives the resources it needs.

First, I want to begin by thanking our state and local municipalities, first responders, nonprofits, churches, neighborhood organizations, and countless neighbors who have stepped up to help their fellow residents.

In a crisis like this, we see the very best of Northwest Indiana, people putting aside their differences to help their neighbors recover.

Thanking the Power Restoration Crews

I also want to recognize the thousands of utility workers, line crews, contractors, and support personnel who have come here from across Indiana and around the country to restore power.

Many of these men and women have been working around the clock, away from their own families and communities. Some may have even been dealing with the impacts of these storms themselves.

We owe them our gratitude. They are doing the hard work necessary to get the lights back on and help our communities recover.

Federal Emergency Declaration

Following the severity of the storms that began on August 11th, the State of Indiana requested a federal emergency declaration, and the Administration acted quickly to approve that request.

We are grateful for that prompt response.

This emergency declaration is an important first step. It immediately makes $5 million available to the Governor to support state, county, and local response and recovery efforts.

That means resources can begin moving now, while we continue documenting the full extent of the damage.

Pursuing a Federal Major Disaster Declaration

But we know the damage from these storms goes well beyond the immediate response.

The Governor has indicated that the State is working with local officials to prepare a request for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration.

That declaration is critical because it can open the door to additional federal assistance for communities, municipalities, and eligible individuals and households as they recover from the damage.

We need to make sure every community and every eligible resident has access to every available federal resource as we rebuild.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security is conducting damage assessments, and residents should continue to report storm damage and unmet needs through Indiana 211 by calling 211 or 866-211-9966 or going online to https://in211.communityos.org. Documenting the damage is essential as we move forward with the request for additional federal assistance.

A Direct Message to Residents

To the residents of Northwest Indiana who are still without power, who have suffered property damage, or who are struggling to recover: we see you, and we are going to continue working for you.

My office will remain in close contact with local officials, the Governor's office, state and local emergency management officials, and our federal partners.

If you need assistance navigating the disaster assistance process or reporting your damage, please contact my congressional office at 219-795-1844.

We will do everything we can to help connect you with the resources available to you.

The storms may have caused tremendous damage, but they have also demonstrated the strength of our community.

Our immediate priorities are simple: restore power, help our residents, document the damage, and make sure Northwest Indiana receives every federal resource it needs to recover and rebuild.

We are going to keep working until the job is done.