DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Gov. Terry E. Branstad has issued disaster proclamations for two southern and two eastern Iowa counties hit hard by storms earlier this week.

The governor’s office said Wednesday that he issued the proclamations for Appanoose, Muscatine, Scott and Wayne counties in response to severe weather Monday.

The action allows state resources to be used to aid in recovery efforts. It also activates the Individual Assistance Program for residents of the counties. The program provides grants of up to $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. The money can be used for such things as home and car repairs, temporary housing expenses or replacement of clothing or food.