Alyth flood victims could be out of their homes and businesses until Christmas.
The repair bill for damage caused when the town’s burn overflowed on Friday morning is expected to run into millions of pounds.
At least four properties have been condemned and several vehicles that were swept away in strong currents have been wrecked.
Now a massive clear-up operation is under way with businesses and homes in the worst affected areas filling up skips with damaged stock, furniture and fittings.
The town hall, which has opened as a lifeline centre for affected families, has been inundated with donations of clothing and food packages.
The flood knocked out power in around 750 properties. Engineers have been battling to restore electricity to the remaining 25.
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David Sim, who runs a DIY shop in the town square, said: “It’s going to be some time before we can open again. We’re looking at Christmas at the earliest.
“We’re just clearing out all the damaged stock. The water was coming in to the back of the shop and that’s where the real damage was.”
Alyth Cycles was one of the few affected businesses which managed to open yesterday. Owner Nicky Tuer said: “We had a few feet of water in the shop, but I know we were really lucky compared to some others.
“We weren’t open at the time and our doors were locked shut, which helped. Also the cars piled up right outside our shop acted as a barrier.”
Butcher Tommy Milligan, who was praised online for offering free pies to hungry locals after his store flooded, said he hopes to re-open today after a major clean-up job.
Community council vice-chairwoman Barbara Prettyman was sorting out clothes and food at the hall.
“I think everyone in Alyth has donated something,” she said.
“We’ve actually had to tell people to stop donating clothes for now, as there’s just too much to get through. The town has really rallied together. Everyone wants to help.”
Council leader Ian Miller said the devastation is the worst he has known.
He added: “Although we are now embarking on recovery, probably the most difficult phase following the floods in Alyth and surrounding area, I would like this opportunity not only to thank our partners for their tremendous efforts in responding to Friday’s floods but also the local community whose contribution was both vital and absolutely outstanding.”