Rain, Not Dam Malfunction, Caused Indiana Floods

A report shows that torrential rain, not a dam malfunction, caused the flooding in June that affected one of every seven structures in Columbus, Ind.

A report from the U.S. Geological Survey summarized reasons for the event, detailed its effects and illustrated its severity with maps, charts and rainfall data. City Engineer Steve Ruble says the study eliminates the possibility of a “smoking gun” and proves the flooding came from rainfall on June 6 and 7.

A USGS map shows that more than 10 inches of rain fell in regions north of Columbus that included southern Johnson and Shelby counties.

Ruble said roads and bridges countywide performed well. And in the few areas where failures occurred, problems were not caused by design.