BOSTON -- Thousands of New England home and business owners have asked for federal aid after the worst floods in 200 years hit the region last week.

Federal Emergency Management Agency said the current Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance applies to individuals and businesses affected by both the March 12-15 and March 29-30 storms.

"I am thankful to President Barack Obama for acknowledging the impact the two storms and resulting flooding has created for most of the commonwealth," said Gov. Deval Patrick. "We urge people to register with FEMA and apply for help, especially if you need assistance with housing, clothing, food, and other basic needs."

The assistance was initially authorized under a Major Federal Disaster Declaration requested by Patrick on March 25 and issued by Obama on March 29. In the three days since the approval, 5,170 people have applied and FEMA inspectors have already started visiting flood-damaged homes.

Video: Thousands Of Homeowners, Businesses Seek Flood Aid

In Freetown, dozens of residents are waiting for FEMA to show up to assess their damage. A few can't even get the inspectors into their homes.

"(FEMA) was here. They deemed it inaccessible. When the water comes down, they will come back and assess, but he did see the outside," said homeowner Tara Hutchins.

Freetown town officials said at least a third of the homes in the town were damaged in the floods.

"The best thing people can do if you have any kind of damage, any kind of flooding in your home is go to FEMA.gov and register," said Freetown Emergency Management's Wes Vaughan.

Towns are also faced with millions in road, bridge and infrastructure damage.

"I've got three roads that are going to need significant work and we're looking at $2 million for that," said Freetown Board of Selectman chairwoman Jean Fox.

In Rhode Island, more than 10,000 homeowners and about 1,500 businesses have so far applied for federal help following the worst flooding in the state in 200 years.

The flood waters left behind a thick coat of mud, many roads and bridges are still closed Monday and cleanup in homes and businesses continues.

U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse said many of the businesses affected need grants, not loans, which is the primary help being offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Whitehouse cites a restaurant in West Warwick that was hit by a round of flooding in mid-March, took out federal loans to get back up and running, and then was hit again last week. He said loans won't help that business owner.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can initiate the application process for assistance by calling the FEMA Teleregistration numbers: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired, or by registering online at www.fema.gov. The toll-free Teleregistration numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.