President Barack Obama on Thursday issued a disaster declaration for the State of Georgia, meaning federal funding will be available to flood affected people in Cherokee, Carroll, Cobb, Douglas and Paulding counties.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs and low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses.

Residents and business owners who suffered losses can apply for assistance by registering online at www.fema.gov or by calling 1 (800) 621-3362.

Vice President Joe Biden was scheduled to survey the flood damage throughout Georgia today.

Georgia Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine said the latest estimate shows more than 10,000 homes with significant flood damage totaling $250 million in losses.