President Dwight Eisenhower declared eight states as disaster areas, eligible for federal aid.

The Small Business Administration declared six counties in Maine as disaster areas.

The next day, the president declared 12 New Jersey counties as disaster areas, including all of the counties along the Atlantic coast.

On December 21, the president declared 9 Massachusetts counties and 5 New York counties as disaster areas.

In the state of Louisiana, 34 parishes were declared as disaster areas.

President Bush declared 34 Louisiana parishes as disaster areas and visited the area on September 3.

Following the storm, President Jimmy Carter declared six counties in the state as federal disaster areas, allowing residents to seek aid from the government.

In response to the severe flooding, the Government of Queensland declared numerous towns as disaster areas, allowing for federal funds to be used.

Subsequent disaster declarations ultimately declared 47 North Carolina counties as disaster areas.

Just days after Irene moved through Florida, President Bill Clinton declared 18 counties as disaster areas.