IDHS Declares Jefferson, Ohio, Switzerland Counties as Disaster Zones

IDHS personnel will be in the area this week to provide the governor with an update on the level of damage.

Photo by Jeff-Craig Fire Department. 

(Vevay, Ind.) - Local disasters have been declared in Ohio, Jefferson, and Switzerland counties due to recent flooding.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security is visiting southeastern Indiana this week to provide Governor Holcomb an update on the level of damage.

The IDHS’s Emergency Management and Preparedness Division supports first responders and their communities in preparation or in response to disasters or large-scale emergencies.

This division is key to helping communities become whole again.

Saturday’s heavy rainfall killed an elderly woman in Jefferson County and damaged several roads and properties throughout the affected region. A donation site has been set up at 2976 State Road 250 at the intersection with Bennington Pike. Monetary donations, gifts cards, bottled water, toiletries, and non-perishable items are being accepted.

Jefferson County Road Closures: 

• Bridge # 103 on Brushy Fork Rd, Between 7500 Block of Brushy Fork Rd and McCarty Hill Rd
• Bridge # 154 Dow Ridge Rd, Between Brushy Fork Rd and Tate Ridge Rd Bridge
• Bridge # 53 on Brushy Fork Rd and Brushy Fork Rd, Between Sugan Hollow Rd and Tate Ridge Rd

From the Jefferson County Highway Department:

"The above listed bridges are closed for an indefinite period. We will update when we get them repaired. Several of the county roads are passable but will need work done. Our crews will be out in the upcoming days working diligently to get the roads back in order. Be cautious in the area due to the damaged roads and for the safety of all the personnel trying to restore these hard-hit areas."

Switzerland County Road Closures: 

• Nell Lee Road (gravel section)
• Drakes Ridge Road (gravel section)
• Sgt. Kenneth Booker (gravel section)
• Liter Road (gravel section) - Patriot Water has issued a boil advisory until further notice for Liter Road due to a water main break in the creek. Flash flooding exposed and broke the water main in the creek.
• Kelly Road
• State Road 250 bridge over Indian Creek
• Smith Ridge Bridge
• Parks Ridge Bridge

Open Switzerland County Roads: 

• Gullion Road
• Edith Adams
• Bennington Pike (Use caution)