A Scottish couple have been forced into temporary accommodation after being hit by devastating floods.
A massive clear-up operation has been put in place since the worst flooding in 40 years wrecked a row of houses in Barrasgate in Dumfries and Galloway on Friday night, December 30.
Malcolm and Eileen Coupe, both 74, were left with nothing 'but the clothes on their back'. Their daughter Gillian, 52, spoke of her sadness that the couple will "need to start again at their age", The Daily Record reports.
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She said they lost "everything but the clothes they were standing up in".
"You can't describe what it's like to see all your belongings including old photos floating in water, sewage and oil.
"The water just came in so quickly. The force of it tipped over the fridge and the cooker.
"It was halfway up their wardrobe. I have never seen anything like it in my life.
"Everything has been destroyed. They've lost everything and it's the last thing they need."
During the night, Gillian and her partner had to rescue her dad Malcom, who has advanced dementia. They lifted him out of his sodden house in his wheelchair, while his distraught wife Eileen looked on.
Gillian described: "They were terrified and my dad didn't really know what was happening.
"Everybody in the street just cried at what was going on.
"Mum and dad have been put up in a hotel but we've no idea when they'll be back in their house. It could be months. The really heartbreaking thing was seeing all the residents' belongings in skips the next day.
"But the kindness of people who helped on Friday night has just been incredible during the worst time.
"The kind offers and generosity of has been amazing and has reduced us to tears."
Some of the homes are owned by Wheatley Homes South and a spokesperson said: "We're doing everything we can to support the tenants impacted by the flooding.
"We've offered the families temporary accommodation nearby until we can get in and carry out the repairs to the homes.
"We'll continue to keep in regular contact with the families and will use our wraparound services to support them in any way we can."
Local man Jordan Tweedie has launched a fundraiser in a bid to help the residents of the homes affected in the village.
He said: "The flood came along so quickly that nobody had the time to react and grab any personal items or make any other belongings safe.
"Not everyone in this street is covered by house insurance unfortunately.
"And there is also a few elderly people who have mobility issues and struggle.
"Any help towards raising the funds would be much appreciated by everyone in the street to get their homes in order again."
To make a donation, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/barrasgate-flood-appeal
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