AUSTELL - This week's epic flood first brought disaster, and now there's relief.

A disaster recovery center opened Friday in Austell for residents affected by this week's severe storms and flooding. The center has information from federal, Georgia and Cobb emergency management agencies, and community resource centers.

Before visiting the center, residents should apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling 1 (800) 621-3363 or 1 (800) 462-7585 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Once registered, specialists at the center can check an individual's case, answer questions about their claim or review information needed to process the claim. Individual assistance can include grants for temporary housing, home repairs and other disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are also available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance. Residents can call the Small Business Administration service center at (800) 659-2955 for more information or go to www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

The state of Georgia and the FEMA operate the disaster recovery center. It is located at The Threadmill Complex, 5000 Austell/Powder Springs Road Suite 120 in Austell, and will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice. Residents should use the library entrance. The center's phone number is (770) 944-4309.

Assessments of the flooding disaster are still ongoing throughout the county.

Austell Mayor Joe Jerkins said he couldn't yet estimate a dollar amount for the city's damage, but said, "It's going to be high. I think we'll end up with close to 50 businesses and at least 500 houses damaged."

The flooding also damaged Legion Park and Austell city property. All of Austell roads have been re-opened, except a portion of Austell Road at Sweetwater Creek bridge. Jerkins said it could be at least two weeks before the road is open.

"We were hurt worse than anybody. We've been cleaning up for two days now, and we're trying to get ahead of it, but there's a lot to be done," Jerkins said.

Jerkins said a food store would open this morning on Love Street with water, ice, cleaning kits and other items available for residents in need.

Powder Springs Mayor Pat Vaughn also couldn't provide a damage dollar amount for the city, but said she believes between 90 and 100 homes were damaged earlier this week. So far, there's been no report of damage to any businesses in the area, she said.

"But, every day we uncover more and more," she said.

Vaughn said some city property along with Powder Springs Park was also damaged by floodwaters. All of the city's roads are now open. Powder Springs residents should check the city's Web site at www.cityofpowdersprings.org for updates on the flood recovery.

More than 600 homes and 75 businesses in Cobb have endured extensive flood damage, according to initial estimates by the county. It could take several weeks before a damage assessment is complete.

The county's R.L. Sutton wastewater treatment plant has an estimated total damage of $5 million. The treatment plant, which was inundated with floodwaters - causing partially treated sewage to dump into the Chattahoochee River - is back up and running, said county spokesman Robert Quigley.

Cobb County Schools reported Friday that students would not have to make up the two school days they missed earlier this week. The state grants the school system four inclement weather days per school year.