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NewsWSVN 7 MiamiAugust 12, 2026Miami-Dade

Ohio Governor declares state of emergency as catastrophic flooding and storm damage impact Midwest

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has declared a state of emergency in Perry and Muskingum counties following severe flooding and a deadly derecho windstorm. The declaration authorizes the deployment of National Guard high-water rescue units to assist residents trapped by rising floodwaters.

emergency managementfloodingweatherinfrastructurepublic safety
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Why It Matters

Residents in affected areas face immediate threats to property and safety, with emergency services actively conducting water rescues and managing power outages for over 1 million customers across the region.

Key Facts

  • Governor Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency for Perry and Muskingum counties in Ohio.
  • The Ohio National Guard high-water rescue unit was activated to assist in flood-affected areas.
  • At least one person died in Roseville, Ohio, due to an emergency that first responders could not reach.
  • Approximately 200 people in Perry County were forced to leave their homes or were trapped by floodwaters.
  • Floodwaters in low-lying areas of Perry County reached depths of 6 to 10 feet.
  • Two bridges in Perry County were overtopped by floodwaters.
  • Over 1 million homes and businesses lost power across the Midwest due to a derecho windstorm.
  • The derecho produced hurricane-force wind gusts across a 300-mile stretch.
  • Ten people were rescued from a flooded home in Confluence, Pennsylvania.
  • Eastern Indiana received up to 8 inches of rain, exceeding two months' worth of precipitation.
  • Kentucky and Indiana are currently under a Level 3 of 4 risk for flooding rainfall.
  • Severe storm threats remain in effect for the Ohio Valley and Midwest through Wednesday.

Who's Mentioned

personSima Merick“Executive Director of the Ohio Emergency Management Agency”organizationOhio National Guard“Activated for high-water rescue”locationPerry County“Area under state of emergency”locationCambridge City“Indiana town reporting catastrophic flooding”other300“Miles of region affected by windstorm”personMike DeWine“Governor of Ohio who declared the state of emergency”personTyler Byrd“Fire chief in Confluence, Pennsylvania”locationMuskingum County“Area under state of emergency”