(AP)--President Barack Obama has signed an order declaring Louisiana's widespread flooding from heavy rains a major disaster.

Obama's disaster declaration triggers federal aid to help the state and residents and businesses.

people in Bossier, Claiborne, Grant, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland and Webster parishes.

Temporary housing, money for home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other forms of aid will be available.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency says more Louisiana parishes could also be declared areas pending damage surveys.

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