After consistent rains for the past week, Indiana has declared a disaster emergency. Citizens across Indiana are in disarray after half of the state’s counties experienced historic flooding and tornadoes. The floods, which are the worst since the floods in 1996-1997, have created an emergency, forcing people to evacuate. 

In the midst of the tragedy, there is a glimmer of hope as the sports teams based in Indiana have come together to provide support for those who are victims of the displacement caused by the floods. 

On Sunday, ahead of the Indianapolis Colts’ training session at Grand Park Sports Complex, the announcement was made that the NFL team will contribute $125,000 to the flood relief drive. Not just the Colts; even the NBA side, the Indiana Pacers, will be contributing the same, making it a total donation of $250,000. 

According to AP, even the WNBA’s Indiana Fever and the G League basketball team Noblesville Boom will join the efforts. The contribution will be directed towards the American Red Cross, who are on the ground supporting those displaced with food, medicine and shelter. 

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President Donald Trump issued an emergency declaration to support relief efforts for the floods affecting more than half of Indiana’s 92 counties. 

The impact has left even those unaffected by the floods shaken. Colts co-owner Kalen Jackson was filled with emotion while speaking on the disaster. 

“It is emotional to see some of the pictures and videos of places I went to as a kid, where I was just a couple of weeks ago,” said Jackson before talking about two favourite local spots. “I was in Conner Prairie earlier this week. Today I was at the Fashion Mall event and seeing you can’t even drive on those roads and seeing it’s still, in fact, sloshing around there. I have friends who live in areas that have been affected, so this is a very personal thing.”

There are reports of at least 7 people who have died due to the floods, and several more are displaced. The American Red Cross Indiana Region CEO, Terry Stigdon, said that 200 people were served on Saturday night and more than 4,700 meals and snacks have been served in recent days. 

The severe thunderstorms on August 11 dumped over 11 to 18 inches of rain across the central and southern parts of the state. Several low-lying neighbourhoods are underwater, with even the Hazel Dell Parkway Bridge in Hamilton County giving way to the floods. 

On Saturday, the White River overflowed, forcing hundreds of residents in riverside areas to evacuate. 

The recent weather events have resulted in many houses going without power for several days now.

The floods are so severe that evacuations and rescue missions by first responders are being carried out on kayaks and lifeboats. 

After the recent events, the Governor of Indiana state disaster relief fund, which will provide $5,000 to people.

“This will enable families to get the basics, like clothes and food while they are out of their homes,” Braun said.

The Governor also said that about 1,000 were displaced from their homes and efforts are being carried out to ensure they get back their life to normalcy.

The generous support for the community isn’t the first time the Indiana NFL and NBA franchises have come together. In fact, Indiana is proof that it’s never just the fans that support the team; oftentimes, the teams give back when the communities most need it. 

During the pandemic in 2020, the Colts and Pacers joined hands to inject $420,000 into a joint campaign for 12 essential community centers across Indianapolis that helped distribute food, youth services, and family assistance in economically trying times. 

As the Colts gear up to take on the Atlanta Falcons in their second preseason game, the players will definitely have their minds on the countless families who are facing the brunt of the floods.