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Morgan County quarry levee breaks; trapped residents are rescued

Monday, August 17, 2026 at 4:10 AM

Courtesy-Madison Township Fire Department

MADISON TOWNSHIP, Ind. -  The Madison Township Fire Department (MTFB), along with several surrounding fire departments, was dispatched to the area of Smokey Row Road and State Road 144, and Centenary Road and Centenary Lane on Sunday, August 16, just before 8 p.m.   

Several emergency agencies responded to reports of several people needing rescue from their homes due to rising floodwaters. 

Approximately 10 individuals have been evacuated to a safe location. Several pets have also been rescued. 

MFTB clarifies it was a quarry levee that failed, and not a river levee. Floodwaters washed away a portion of Smokey Row Road. Until water levels recede, the full extent of the damage to the roadway will not be known. The same applies to homes and other property throughout the affected area.

This remains an active and potentially dangerous situation. Officials stress that you should not drive through floodwaters. If you encounter water over the roadway, turn around. Do not drive around barricades. Do not assume your vehicle can make it through. Conditions can change rapidly, and the roadway beneath the water may no longer be there.

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