The Associated Press

WASHINGTON - President Bush said Tuesday that he has approved federal money for six Ohio counties hit by severe storms and flooding during the last few weeks.

The money would go mostly to western Ohio, where flooding destroyed 22 homes and damaged another 324.

Gov. Bob Taft asked Bush on Friday to approve federal assistance for flood victims.

After touring Mercer County last week, Taft said flooding there was the worst he had seen as governor.

The disaster declaration covers Auglaize, Darke, Logan, Mercer, Shelby and Van Wert counties.