Severe weather hits Indiana – Governor declares statewide emergency disaster
Julie Pollock Elliott
The dam at the Versailles State Park was rolling most of last week. This picture was taken on Thursday morning, August 13.
Severe weather that moved through Ripley County Tuesday, August 11 and Wednesday, August 12 kept emergency crews busy responding to storm damage, medical emergencies and a lightning-related house fire.
Ripley County Emergency Communications praised the county’s public safety agencies following Tuesday’s storms, saying the system came together to provide a “quick and effective response” to a powerful storm and several life-threatening emergencies.
Ripley County EMA worked to keep agencies informed and prepared, while the Ripley County Highway Department responded to downed trees and dangerous road conditions. Ripley County EMS and Sunman Rescue 20 provided medical response, and law enforcement officers assisted with tree removal and damage assessment in addition to their regular duties.
Numerous volunteer fire departments also responded throughout the county, including Sunman Rural, Morris, Milan, Versailles, Friendship, Napoleon, Delaware, New Marion, Otter Creek Township and Osgood.
The storms also caused concerns for area schools Tuesday. Severe weather threatened the area during dismissal at Milan Community Schools. According to School Resource Officer Cody Buchanan, dispatchers advised of a possible tornado in the Penntown area which was heading southeast. All buses were immediately evacuated, and students were directed into Milan Middle School and Milan High School, where everyone sheltered in place until the all-clear was given between approximately 4:30 and 5 p.m.
The effects of the weather continued Wednesday morning when South Ripley Community Schools operated on a two-hour delay due to overnight storms and rainfall.
At approximately 7:45 a.m. Wednesday, New Marion Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the 4600 block of West County Road 450 South after a residence owned by Melvin Meisberger was reportedly struck by lightning. The homeowners called 911 after noticing smoke inside the home and safely evacuated before firefighters arrived.
New Marion firefighters found smoke coming from the residence and quickly brought the fire under control. Versailles, Osgood and Milan volunteer fire departments, Ripley County EMS, the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office and Ripley County Emergency Communications assisted at the scene.
Gov. Mike Braun also issued a statement following severe weather across Indiana, “My heart is with every Hoosier impacted by today’s severe weather. I am devastated to learn of the loss of life, injuries, and damaged homes.”
“We are working around the clock with local officials, emergency responders and utility crews to get resources where they’re needed most following today’s severe storms and widespread power outages.”
“I have directed the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to lead our state’s response efforts in collaboration with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana State Police, Indiana National Guard, Indiana Department of Transportation, and the Indiana Department of Correction.”
“ISP and INDOT are currently on the ground clearing roads and providing security and DNR and DOC are deploying additional crews to clear downed power lines and debris. I am continuing to assess conditions and stand ready to activate the Indiana National Guard if additional support is needed.”
“Our priority is keeping Hoosiers safe, supporting communities as they assess the damage, and restoring power as quickly as possible.”
“Please stay off the roads where conditions are dangerous and follow guidance from local authorities.”
“If you have been affected by today’s storm, please contact your county emergency management agency.”
“If your power is out, cooling centers can be found in your area by visiting: on.in.gov/coolingcenters”
On Thursday, August 13, Gov. Braun declared a statewide disaster emergency due to the flooding, severe weather, tornadic activity, and a derecho.
