Indiana officials and federal representatives conducted on-site assessments Monday of the lingering effects from the powerful storm that struck northwest Indiana on August 11, leaving tens of thousands without electricity and causing widespread damage. The storm, described as a derecho, prompted emergency responses at local, state, and federal levels as communities continue recovery efforts nearly three weeks later.

Governor Mike Braun, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Cameron Hamilton, and Gary Mayor Eddie Melton convened at the American Red Cross emergency shelter housed in Gary’s Hudson Campbell Sports and Fitness Center to provide updates on the ongoing cleanup and response. The governor praised first responders and local authorities for their swift action amid an event he characterized as the worst to hit the region in a century.

“This is a situation where partnership at every level—local, state, federal—is vital,” Braun said. He emphasized the priority of supporting affected residents, noting the storm’s broad impact from northwest Indiana to southern parts of the state. The governor and FEMA leadership also visited flood-damaged areas in Carmel and Connersville earlier in the day.

Gary, one of the hardest-hit communities, experienced a prolonged power outage affecting tens of thousands. Mayor Melton acknowledged that some residents still lack electrical service due to damaged weatherheads—the protective covers on utility wires attached to homes. Residents requiring help to replace weatherheads can seek aid from the Legacy Foundation, Melton said. According to Northern Indiana Public Service Co. (NIPSCO) data, 59 Gary customers remain without power, with 159 total outages reported across the service area.

Melton voiced frustration regarding NIPSCO’s handling of the restoration efforts, urging a formal investigation to improve future responses and increase energy reliability. “The citizens here in Gary have been without a significant amount of power for more than two weeks,” he stated, a concern shared by Governor Braun.

Nearly a week ago, President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration for Indiana, unlocking additional federal resources to aid recovery. Braun attributed the expedited approval to the state’s cooperative relationship with the federal government, noting that such declarations can otherwise take weeks to obtain. Hamilton thanked both President Trump and local officials for their roles in facilitating assistance and praised the community’s resilience and volunteer support.

Hamilton encouraged those affected to register for FEMA aid through the agency’s website or phone line, and noted the opening of multiple intake centers throughout Lake County, including sites in Gary and Munster with varying operating hours.

U.S. Representative Frank Mrvan, D-Highland, highlighted the bipartisan effort underlying the emergency response. “When you have to help people, and there’s such an outcry and such a major disaster, we all need each other,” he said. Mrvan credited cooperation across political lines for the swift disaster designation and mobilization of assistance.

The Hudson Campbell center remains Indiana’s largest Red Cross shelter, currently housing 109 individuals among six statewide locations still accommodating 179 people. The Red Cross confirmed it will continue providing services as long as necessary.

Among those seeking shelter are Crystal L. Franklin and Michele Taylor, displaced residents who connected after moving between shelters since the storm. Both are participating in the Red Cross Shelter Resident Transition program to secure permanent housing in Gary. They expressed gratitude for community volunteers and local leadership, particularly Mayor Melton, for their ongoing support.

“It’s good to see the presence of the governor,” Taylor said. “(Melton) seems like he really cares about this city.”