Governor declares State of Emergency for rain-soaked neighborhoods

ATLANTA - Gov. Roy Barnes has declared a state of emergency for two southwest Atlanta areas hit hard by the thunderstorms, homes in Vine City and Washington Park. <br> <br> The declaration allows those affected to apply for state aid. <br> <br> Hundreds of residents spent much of the day cleaning up the soggy mess. <br> <br> City officials estimate 80 to 100 homes in the metro Atlanta area were damaged. <br> <br> Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin said in a statement Sunday night that no serious injuries or fatalities have been reported. <br> <br> Firefighters used boats to evacuate several families after water rushed into homes, forcing residents out. More than 30 families sought help in finding shelter from the American Red Cross. <br> <br> Officials say larvacide will be placed in the flooded areas to stop a potential mosquito infestation.