FEMA Is Assessing Indiana Storm Damage, But Don’t Apply Yet

After severe weather, strong storms, and catastrophic flooding across Indiana, federal emergency officials are now on the ground assessing the damage, but state officials have an important message for Hoosiers:

Do not apply directly with FEMA right now.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security says personnel from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and IDHS began conducting joint preliminary damage assessments across the state on Tuesday, August 18.

The assessments include viewing damage from the air and are an important step in determining whether Indiana could ultimately receive a federal major disaster declaration.

However, FEMA's presence in Indiana does not mean federal disaster assistance has been approved or that residents should begin submitting applications.

Read More: Gov. Braun Declares State of Emergency for Indiana

FEMA and Indiana Officials Are Assessing the Damage

The storms that began August 11 brought catastrophic flooding, damaging winds, tornadic activity, and a derecho to portions of Indiana.

Governor Mike Braun subsequently declared a statewide disaster emergency, and state agencies have been responding to affected communities across Indiana.

Now FEMA and IDHS personnel are working together to document the extent of the damage.

According to IDHS, these joint preliminary damage assessments are the first step in collecting the information needed to request a major disaster declaration.

Photos shared by the agency show some of the extensive flooding assessment teams are encountering around the state.

Read More: United Cajun Navy Arrives in Indiana to Aid Storm Victims

What Is a Preliminary Damage Assessment?

A preliminary damage assessment helps state and federal officials understand the scope and severity of a disaster.

Information gathered during the assessments can then be used as Indiana determines whether to request a federal major disaster declaration.

That's an important distinction because Indiana's existing statewide disaster emergency and a federal major disaster declaration are not the same thing.

The statewide emergency declaration allows Indiana to coordinate state resources in response to the disaster. The FEMA assessments currently underway are part of determining what may happen at the federal level next.

Read More: Authorities Warn Hoosiers of Scammers After August 11 Storms

Don't Apply Directly With FEMA Right Now

With news that FEMA personnel are now in Indiana, IDHS issued an additional clarification for residents affected by the storms.

"Hoosiers: please do not apply directly with FEMA right now."

Instead, residents in designated counties are being asked to report their storm and flood damage through Indiana 211.

Those reports can help officials document the impact of the disaster while the assessment process continues.

Aftermath of Rare Derecho That Struck Indiana on August 11

These Indiana Counties Can Report Damage Through 211

Indiana 211 is currently accepting damage reports from residents in the following counties:

• Cass
• Dearborn
• Delaware
• Fayette
• Franklin
• Hamilton
• Henry
• Lake
• LaPorte
• Madison
• Marion
• Marshall
• Miami
• Morgan
• Newton
• Pike'
• Porter
• Pulaski
• Randolph
• Tipton
• Wayne

Residents in those counties can report damage by calling 866-211-9966 or visiting the Indiana 211 website.

It's important to note that reporting damage through Indiana 211 is not the same as applying for FEMA assistance.

For now, this is the action state officials are asking affected residents in those counties to take while damage assessments continue.

Read More: Indiana Was Hit By a Derecho But What Does That Mean?

State Disaster Relief Fund Applications Are Available

Although Hoosiers are being asked not to apply directly with FEMA yet, residents may be able to seek assistance through the State Disaster Relief Fund.

Information about applying for the fund is available through Indiana's August 2026 Disaster Resource Hub.

The hub also serves as a central location for information and resources related to the ongoing response and recovery from the August storms.

What Happens Next?

Right now, the process is still in the assessment stage.

FEMA and IDHS will continue gathering information about the damage across Indiana. That information can help state officials determine the next steps, including a potential request for a federal major disaster declaration.

For residents dealing with storm or flood damage, the most important takeaway right now is simple: don't assume FEMA's arrival means it's time to apply for federal assistance.

If you live in one of the counties currently included in Indiana 211 damage reporting, report your damage to 211. Residents looking for information about available state assistance can visit Indiana's August 2026 Disaster Resource Hub.