OLYMPIA, Wash. - Gov. Chris Gregoire says the federal government has added Mason, Pacific and Thurston counties to the federal disaster declaration for the storm and flooding that began Dec. 1.

The governor said Saturday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency will help individuals and business owners affected by storm damage. FEMA previously granted individual assistance for Grays Harbor and Lewis counties on Dec. 9.

Individual assistance helps residents and business owners with housing assistance, small business loans, crisis counseling and other programs.

"It was an emotional moment for me, I've been out there, I've seen how hard people - I've seen personal tragedies and I want to do everything I can to get help to them immediately and this is it, Gregoire said.

Government officials completed a survey of household damage in Mason, Pacific and Thurston counties this week and found widespread damage from flooding, mudslides, landslides and high winds.

Hundreds of flood victims have been waiting anxiously for Gregoire's announcement. Many had thought they had been abandoned, but they now know money and support is coming.

Jean Giallombardo is one of many in Thurston County who lost so much during the flooding.

"I don't even know if I'll be in my home for Christmas," she said.

As each day passes, Giallombardo discovers even more that was destroyed. Since she is on a fixed income, she does not know how or if she could make it.

"I felt an enormous thing lift off of me and the tears came and I wanted to yell 'halleluiah,'" she said.

Disaster centers open

Disaster recovery centers opened Saturday in Lewis and Grays Harbor counties.

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Gregoire made the announcement Saturday morning.

People who have registered with FEMA can stop by the centers between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. to have their questions answered. They're located at the Yard Birds Mall in Chehalis and the Elma Fire Station.

If you are a flood victim, it is very important to register with FEMA. That phone number is 1 800-621-FEMA.

Registration is critical, even if you are not in a county that was officially included you should register because federal damage assessments are still taking place.

Those who do qualify typically get a check within eight to 10 days.