INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WAVE) - Indiana Governor Mike Braun has declared a state of disaster emergency in 18 counties in the Hoosier State due to flooding, storm and tornado damage.

It’s effective for 30 days and allows the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) to provide financial assistance to the impacted communities with eligible expenses under the State Disaster Relief Fund.

Due to flooding, storm, and tornado damage, I am declaring a state of disaster emergency in Bartholomew, Brown, Clark, Crawford, Dearborn, Delaware, Gibson, Hamilton, Harrison, Lake, Madison, Marshall, Martin, Owen, Perry, Posey, Spencer, and Warrick counties. This is effective…
— Governor Mike Braun (@GovBraun) April 11, 2025

The counties included in the declaration are Bartholomew, Brown, Clark, Crawford, Dearborn, Delaware, Gibson, Hamilton, Harrison, Lake, Madison, Marshall, Martin, Owen, Perry, Posey, Spencer, and Warrick.

Noticeably absent was Floyd County, as well as four other Counties along the Ohio River.

“Immediate response was, ‘I wonder what’s going on?‘” Floyd County EMA Director Kent Barrow said.

Floyd County EMA declared its own emergency on April 9, which is part of the process to be included in the state declaration. Barrow expects his county will be brought into the mix.

“There’s been 48 counties across the state of Indiana that have reported damage,” Barrow said. “So there’s going to be several more counties that will be added to the declaration.”

IDHS officials say it’s normal for Counties like Floyd to be left out, and that a disaster declaration is fluid. Counties can be added after the fact.

The main concern is whether or not the entities in these counties like emergency management and first responders are eligible for the state relief funds.

“What they’re looking for now is what expenses the county and the city has spent in managing the flood and and keeping, keeping people safe,” Barrow said.

Additionally, it’s important for Hoosiers to understand that the declaration does not give assistance to individuals. Both Barrow and the IDHS still encourage people impacted to call 2-1-1 to report damage and to contact their insurance companies.

Officials with Floyd County EMA will be out doing damage assessment on Monday.

Barrow says the agency will have a briefing on Tuesday with state officials alongside the county and city agencies to figure out what can be reimbursed.