INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Cleanup is underway across Indianapolis as floodwaters recede, leaving behind damaged homes, destroyed belongings and residents facing the difficult process of rebuilding.
Near Keystone at the Crossing, the water has disappeared from River Edge Lane, but the damage remains visible. Porches have been ripped from homes. Mud covers floors and walls, and belongings that were once cherished have been reduced to memories.
For Angelo Johnson, who lives near the White River, the flooding was devastating. He was rescued after water levels rose about eight feet. Although his home is elevated, roughly three feet of water entered his living room, kitchen and bedroom.
“To say this broke me in half is an understatement,” Johnson said. “Everything I put my money and time [into]—even talking about it… definitely hit hard and hit home.”
Inside the home, the force of the water left extensive damage. Cabinets and drawers were torn apart while mud covered everything inside the home.
Johnson’s car, motorcycle and other personal belongings were also destroyed. His floors and walls will need to be gutted as he begins the long process of repairing his home.
“All at once, it’s just too much to deal with,” Johnson said. “On top of it, we thought we were so prepared for it. It just knocked you down.”
While residents work to clean out their homes, Indianapolis city inspectors are working to document the destruction.
Alena Jones, deputy director of the city’s Department of Business and Neighborhood Services, said teams are conducting what officials call rapid damage assessments. Inspectors are visiting impacted neighborhoods, speaking with residents and documenting damage to homes and businesses.
“Right now we’re making sure we get out to as many impacted areas as possible as quickly as possible,” Jones said.
The information collected by city workers is being provided to the state and federal governments for disaster relief and assistance. Jones said more than 1,300 inspections of homes and businesses have been completed so far. Rapid damage assessment teams are continuing to visit flood-impacted areas through Friday.
Inspectors had not yet reached Johnson’s neighborhood at the time of the report. For Johnson and his neighbors, the inspections could be an important step toward getting the assistance they need to recover.
Despite the heartbreak, Johnson said he is trying to look ahead. He sees the recovery as an opportunity to start over.
“It’s heartbreaking,” he said, “but it’s also a chance to start over.”
