Update on Federal Disaster Response in Northwest Indiana

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

FEMA has announced that the Major Disaster Declaration requested by Governor Braun for the State of Indiana has been approved.

This declaration is an important step forward for Northwest Indiana. Our families, businesses, municipalities, first responders, and community organizations have endured tremendous hardship, and they need every available resource to recover and rebuild.

I thank Governor Braun, our local officials, emergency management personnel, first responders, utility crews, volunteers, and everyone who has worked tirelessly throughout this crisis. I also appreciate the Administration’s approval of this request and the continued efforts of FEMA and our federal, state, and local partners.

I have been proud to work alongside the Indiana Congressional Delegation to advocate for this assistance because we knew the scale of this disaster exceeded what many individuals and communities could handle on their own.

Now, we turn our full attention to recovery.

Federal assistance can provide critical support to eligible individuals, families, businesses, and local governments as they repair homes and infrastructure, address damage, and begin rebuilding. My office will continue working directly with FEMA, state and local officials, and our communities to ensure residents understand what assistance is available and can access the resources for which they qualify.

To everyone who has been affected, please know that you are not alone. Northwest Indiana has shown extraordinary strength, compassion, and resilience throughout this disaster. We will continue standing together, helping our neighbors, and doing everything possible to ensure our communities come back stronger.

Additional information about the federal assistance programs is anticipated in the coming days. In the meantime, individuals in Lake, LaPorte, and Porter Counties who are eligible for Individual Assistance can begin the application process through FEMA:

1. Apply online: www.DisasterAssistance.gov
2. Call FEMA: 1-800-621-3362

The response brought us through the immediate crisis. Now, the work of recovery and rebuilding begins. I will remain focused on making sure Northwest Indiana receives every resource and every bit of support it needs until the job is done.

Federal Disaster Declaration Fact Sheet

August 25, 2026

Today, President Donald J. Trump granted a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Indiana, triggering the release of federal funds to help individuals and communities recover from severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred beginning August 11, 2026.

Declaration Information

Declaration Number: FEMA-4933-DR
Incident: Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding
Incident Period: August 11, 2026, and continuing
Federal Coordinating Officer: Darrin C. Ricketts, National FCO Program

Individual Assistance (IA)

Assistance to individuals and households

IA-Designated Counties: Carroll, Dearborn, Decatur, Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Hamilton, Hancock, Henry, Lake, LaPorte, Madison, Marion, Morgan, Porter, Pulaski, Randolph, Rush, Tipton, Union, and Wayne Counties.

Public Assistance (PA)

Assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities

PA-Designated Areas: Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Hamilton, Henry, Lake, LaPorte, Madison, Porter, Tipton, and Wayne Counties.

Hazard Mitigation (HM)

Assistance for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards

HM-Designated Areas: Under Review.

Additional Designations

Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further assessments.

How to Apply for FEMA Assistance

Individuals in the counties designated for Individual Assistance can apply for assistance through FEMA:

1. Apply online: www.DisasterAssistance.gov
2. Call FEMA: 1-800-621-3362

Please share this information with your family, friends, and neighbors. There are now additional federal resources available to help eligible Hoosiers recover from the devastating weather events of August 11.

My office will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available and will remain engaged with FEMA, state and local officials, and our communities throughout the recovery process.