DES MOINES -- Gov. Chet Culver has issued a disaster declaration for five northwest and north-central Iowa counties hit hard by heavy rains and flooding in recent days.

The disaster declaration includes Boone, Humboldt, Palo Alto, Pocahontas and Webster counties.

"This week's heavy rain is just the latest in a series of natural disasters that have hit the Midwest this year," Culver said in a statement. "Iowa state government again stands ready to meet this challenge and help those in need of assistance."

The disaster declaration allows the state to deploy resources to those areas affected by the storms. It also makes disaster assistance available to low-income Iowans.

Households with incomes of up to 133 percent of federal poverty guidelines may apply for grants of up to $3,300 to help recover from flood damage.

Charlotte Eby can be reached at (515) 243-0138 or chareby@aol.com.