INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb issued a disaster emergency for 11 Indiana after catastrophic flooding and torrential rainfall caused extensive infrastructure damage.

Governor Holcomb signed the executive order which includes Carroll, Dearborn, Elkhart, Fulton, Lake, Marshall, Perry, St. Joseph, Starke, Switzerland and White Counties. The disaster emergency declaration may be expanded to include more counties pending more extensive rain and thunderstorms in the southern part of Indiana.

The declaration means the Indiana state Department of Homeland Security can take necessary actions to provide more emergency services and if the state is desperate, additional assistance from the federal government can be requested.

“This is an important step in helping Hoosiers around our state who’ve been hurt by this flooding,” Gov. Holcomb said. “Our state agencies will continue to work hand-in-hand with local emergency management teams to help families weather the tragedies they are facing. I’m amazed by their resiliency. Looking ahead, we won’t hesitate to seek federal assistance if it proves necessary.”

The State Emergency Operations Center was activated Thursday morning and continues to provide statewide operating picture concerning the status of the current flooding situation and is responding to all requests for assistance from local officials. The EOC is directly assisting counties by delivering supplies and fulfilling all requests for additional coordination efforts.

Governor Holcomb toured Elkhart and St. Joseph counties on Friday and will return from the National Governor’s Association meeting in Washington D.C. on Sunday to tour more parts of Indiana affected by the weather.