(KLZA)--Governor Jim Pillen has declared an emergency for southeast Nebraska in the aftermath of heavy rain and severe flooding. Record setting rainfall amounts were reported across the region, in some areas resulting in the rescue of stranded motorists from flooded roadways.

On Thursday, the Governor joined Erv Portis, assistant director for the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency and representatives from the Nebraska National Guard, and others in surveying damage in the region.

The declaration will allow for the use of state resources and also require state and federal agencies to cooperate with and support the adjutant general of Nebraska, who also serves as the director of NEMA.

NEMA is currently working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Small Business Administration, and Natural Resources Conservation Service to align resources as damage assessments are compiled. That information will help to determine if and what level of assistance is available to individuals, businesses and others who have been impacted by flooding.