(ATLANTA) - Residents in Catoosa, DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale counties are now eligible to receive federal assistance. Governor Sonny Perdue requested this aid following severe thunderstorms and flooding that hit Georgia on September 18 and continued for several days. The Federal Disaster Declaration follows one issued for four counties on September 24. Four additional counties were added earlier today.

"Now, even more Georgia families will have access to much-needed financial assistance that will help them on their road to recovery," says Governor Perdue.

"We are pleased that FEMA recognized the need for and approved the state's request, which will facilitate recovery efforts of families and businesses in these six counties," says Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) Director Charley English.

The total number of counties designated under this disaster declaration now stands at 14. The list now includes: Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale, Stephens and Walker counties.

Residents and business owners in these counties who sustained losses can begin applying for Individual Assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (local time) Monday through Sunday.

Individual assistance can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.

Governor Perdue made the request for a federal declaration after reviewing preliminary damage assessment figures.

GEMA is the lead state agency for coordination of emergency and disaster response activities. For more information on GEMA, visit www.gema.ga.gov. To learn how to prepare for disaster, visit www.ready.ga.gov.