White House Approves Michigan's Federal Disaster Declaration

President Barack Obama has approved a federal disaster declaration for southeast Michigan counties hit hard by flooding last month, clearing the way for federal aid in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

Severe storms Aug. 11-13 caused freeway flooding, sewer backups in basements and road collapses, affecting more than 118,000 homes and businesses and causing at least $1.1 billion damage,The Detroit News reports.

Hardest hit were Detroit, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Oak Park, Royal Oak, Southfield, Warren, Sterling Heights, Center Line and Clinton Township.

The disaster declaration, which Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder requested earlier this month, was announced to Congress Thursday afternoon.

It means that residents can request temporary housing assistance and assistance with repairs. Some may qualify for low-interest Small business Administration loans and other relief.

To apply for assistance, register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by smartphone at m.fema.gov. Teleregistration is also available at (800) 621-3362; those who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call (800) 462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call (800) 621-3362.