Survival mode: Indiana residents endure a ninth day without power

Tens of thousands of residents in northwest Indiana are enduring a ninth day without power, struggling in what many describe as a "survival mode" following a deadly storm on August 11. The storm downed trees and power lines, forcing schools across the region to close. Northern Indiana Public Service Co. (NIPSCO) reported that 68,000 customers remained without power as of Thursday morning, with full restoration in some areas, including Gary, not expected until next Tuesday.

Courtney Page-Tan, a professor at Indiana University who studies community resilience, warned of growing health risks associated with the prolonged outage. These include carbon monoxide poisoning from improper generator use, the spoilage of refrigerated food, and the failure of medical devices that rely on electricity. Residents expressed growing frustration, noting that while they initially managed the disruption, the lack of basic services for over a week has become unsustainable, forcing many to rely on community centers for food and supplies.

Meanwhile, about 250 miles (400 kilometers) southeast in Columbus, Ohio, heavy rainfall triggered flash flooding. Mayor Andrew Ginther reported that emergency crews rescued several people, including a 12-year-old boy who was swept off a bridge by high water. The city was already recovering from severe weekend thunderstorms when the mid-week deluge struck.

NIPSCO officials have characterized the destruction as "unprecedented and widespread," noting that crews from across the country have been brought in to assist with repairs. The ongoing power outages have significantly disrupted the start of the school year, with some districts delaying the academic calendar until August 25. Experts warn that the closures and lack of power are placing a severe strain on vulnerable families who rely on consistent work and childcare.