Gov. Mike Braun provided an update on Sept. 23 about the state-led debris removal operations taking place across Indiana following the August 2026 severe weather and flooding that impacted Hoosier communities.
“Indiana faced an unprecedented disaster, and it demanded a quick and innovative response,” Braun said. “That’s why I immediately stood up the debris removal task force, bringing in national experts to lead debris removal operations and utilize state-of-the-art technology to ensure these operations are completed as efficiently and quickly as possible, allowing communities to get back on their feet and recover.”
According to a statement, the debris removal task force is using state-of-the-art technology through drone imagery and artificial intelligence to track debris. This technology helps plan routes, identify the types of debris, and optimize removal efforts, intended to save taxpayers thousands of dollars through increased efficiencies.
At the time of this reporting, 33 communities have engaged in the state-led debris removal program, and nearly 80,000 cubic yards of debris have been removed. An estimated 190,000 cubic yards of debris is expected to still require removal across the state.
State-led vegetative and construction debris removal operations are currently underway with the next phase of operations set to remove waterway debris.
As part of the federal Major Disaster Declaration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is set to reimburse 75% of eligible debris removal costs in the 11 counties currently approved for public assistance.
Braun also announced that the State of Indiana will cover 75% of the remaining local share, meaning local governments will ultimately be responsible for 6.25% of eligible project costs.
Local officials encourage jurisdictions across the state to work with their county emergency manager to report waterways, rights-of-ways and private property for debris removal.
According to a press release from Braun, this effort is the largest state-led debris removal operation in recent history.
For more information visit events.in.gov.
Contact Staff Writer Malik Simon at 317-762-7847.
Malik Simon is a Staff Writer for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Memphis, TN, he graduated from Mississippi Valley State University with a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies concentrating on journalism. Before joining the Recorder, he wrote for the Devil’s Gazette newspaper at MVSU and served as a freelance content and video editor. He seeks to use media to help communities flourish through literacy and factual reporting.
