Yards have become part of Sechrist Lake, part of the Barbee Chain of Lakes in the largest flooding since 2009. (Photo provided)

KOSCIUSKO — Due to recent damage assessment, Kosciusko County has been added to the list of counties issued an emergency declaration by Governor Eric J. Holcomb.

An emergency declaration, means the county board of commissioners has determined that conditions are such that emergency services may not be provided to the public in a timely fashion, and may be significantly delayed. A county emergency declaration initiates county emergency plans, and allows additional resources to be provided by the state to assist local response efforts. 

Flood water has receded sufficiently in some areas for damage assessment teams to begin gathering information. State staff have been deployed to Kosciusko and surrounding counties. Teams include code and elevator inspection staff from the IDHS Division of Fire and Building Safety, which is overseen by Indiana State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson. Assessments will continue in each of these nine counties until complete, at which time teams will continue to other affected counties.

Kosciusko County’s Emergency Management Director Ed Rock is reminding people to report any damage caused by rising water levels. Residents or business owners with significant water damage can register the damage online at in.gov/dhs.

Several counties have received a disaster declaration including Elkhart, Fulton and Marshall counties. This flooding has destroyed or caused severe damage to homes, businesses, structures and infrastructure.