Many of those evacuated during the great flood could have to wait up to six months to return to their homes.

Lewes residents, some in tears, were allowed to survey their wrecked houses for the first time at the weekend.

Insurance assessors arrived in coaches to begin the long task of inspecting damaged properties.

The majority of residents were told it would be months before they could return.

Chris Cunningham, 40, of Morris Road, one of many facing Christmas in alternative accommodation, said: "Everything has been destroyed.

"When I walked back in here I just couldn't believe it. You wouldn't believe how much damage could be caused. It's not just the wet, it's the smell.

"Everything is going to have to be thrown out. I've even lost the videos of the kids growing up, which is hard to take. Some things you just can't replace."

The centre of Lewes was submerged in up to 5ft of water when the River Ouse burst its banks.

Homes filled with water in a matter of minutes as the deluge surged down streets.

Walls were bowled over like cardboard. Sheds, cars and furniture were lifted on the river of filthy water.

Paula Freeland, 45, of Morris Road, said: "My mother was sitting in the living-room when it happened.

"She said the water started to trickle in, then it flooded in and in no time it was halfway up the wall. She was terrified."

"We came back to have a look at the house yesterday and we couldn't believe it. Everything has gone and we don't know when we are going to be able to come back."

Environmental health officers have ruled out residents living in the top floors of their houses because of the level of contamination.

Some buildings may even have to be pulled down due to structural damage and there are fears rats may infest buildings.

Sam Dougherty, 79, escaped the floods after a local greengrocer picked him up on a boat.

He said: "People here are really pulling together to help each other. There's not much you can do against forces like this but it is devastating to come back and see what it has done to your home.

"Everyone's worried about the insurance and the health risks with the diesel and sewage in the water but we are getting lots of help."

Among the victims was the Royal British Legion's Lewes branch, which suffered thousand of pounds of damage to its headquarters and lost 18 Remembrance Sunday wreaths to the floods.

Secretary Gerald Scott, 66, said: "This has knocked us for six. Our members won't be able to meet here for months and that means a blow to our funds."

Among the businesses hit was the Harvey and Son brewery, which has operated in Lewes for centuries.

Managing director Hamish Elder said: "We are desperately trying to get back into production. The water was about 4ft deep and there is a fair bit of damage but we won't know for sure until our assessors get here.

"We do know there is little chance of saving any of the stock we had here."

Traders in Uckfield also face an uncertain future. The High Street and nearby industrial estate have reopened to traffic but dozens of shops and businesses remain shut.

Some shop staff have been dealing with damaged stock and soaked fixtures while others have been forced to stay at home.

Uckfield mayor Mike Skinner has started a help fund for the scores of smaller traders hit by the disaster.

Traders in Bevendean, Brighton, have complained that councillors have not been to see the damage.

The White Admiral pub has been closed indefinitely and the cellar, where landlords John and Sally Mack stored most of their furniture, was still full of sludge yesterday.

John and Janet Ockenden are still clearing slurry from their greengrocer's in Leybourne Parade.

Seeboard is warning people to get in touch before they return to their homes to ensure their electricity supplies are safe.

The 24-hour emergency number is 0800 783 8866.