Residents of Port Maria in St. Mary continue to clean up their homes, which were devastated by floodwaters, last Tuesday.

While the waters have receded, many families are left to pick up the pieces of their lives not washed away during the heavy rain.

Many need help and are looking to the authorities for assistance, to help clear away the piles of garbage left behind.

It’s been a tough week for the residents and business owners as they try to get back to normality.

For some, this will take much longer than others, as everything they own was destroyed during the flood.

One resident recounted her experience to Irie FM News, including getting home by boat last Tuesday.

Representatives of government agencies have visited the affected communities and residents have received care packages which include food and cleaning supplies.

The loss for many is overwhelming.  Several pieces of furniture thrown out by the residents tell their story.

She says the residents are trying to cope. She is calling for more to be done to clear the garbage and debris from the town and homes.