This is the seventh disaster declaration in Greene and Webster counties since 2006. That's the most of any county in the four-state region. Flash flood victims can only hope that helps their cases in getting financial assistance.

Touring flood-ravaged areas, U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt got just a taste of the devastation felt by many Ozarkers.

“It's really bad if you're a family under two feet of water,” said Blunt.

He says he can only hope the federal and state emergency management agencies come through.

“This is a time when money we send to Washington comes back to help businesses and families in need of getting on their feet again,” said Blunt.

Families are one step closer to getting financial help now that Federal Emergency Management Agency and State Emergency Management Agency evaluators have come to town.

“Over the next several days, they will cover most of the state,” said Dick Hainje, FEMA’s regional director.

Evaluators will look at damage to homes and businesses to determine if individual assistance will be available.

“In cases where people have unmet needs, those people can receive repair and replacement assistance,” said Joyce Lincoln, a spokeswoman for FEMA.

First, however, counties must qualify for that individual assistance. Evaluators will look at not only the number of homes affected but also the severity of flooding. They’ll also keep in mind that families need help -- and need it soon.

“We're working as quickly as we can. If we can help them, we want to do it as quickly as we can,” said Hainje.

FEMA representatives wouldn't get specific about how long it will take but said a decision could be made quickly once the assessments are done in the next week or so.

If money is made available, much like tornado-affected areas, families will have to apply for the assistance and the amount they receive will depend on the extent of damage and insurance coverage.