Hamilton County has prohibited recreational travel on the White River as flooding creates life-threatening conditions, particularly near a washed-out bridge in Carmel.

The emergency order bars residents from kayaking, canoeing, swimming, tubing, wading or otherwise entering the river until further notice. Emergency management personnel and first responders are exempt.

Flooding near Hazel Dell Parkway and 106th Street washed out a bridge, caused significant erosion and altered the river’s course. County officials said the White River is now flowing into the Martin Marietta quarry, an open excavation site with a steep drop-off.

Hamilton County Commissioner Christine Altman said people traveling beyond 116th Street could be diverted into Blue Woods Creek, pulled underwater, struck by pieces of the collapsed bridge or swept into the quarry.

“The current is powerful and unpredictable, and once it takes control, there may be no way out,” Altman said. “Stay out of the White River.”

The Hamilton County commissioners issued the Local Emergency Proclamation on Tuesday. The order also authorizes law enforcement officers to close river access points on county-owned property.

Anyone who sees someone in the White River or attempting to enter it should call 911 immediately, county officials said.

The proclamation is scheduled to remain in effect through Aug. 25 unless officials amend or rescind it earlier.