COMMUNITIES across South East Cornwall are still cleaning up and counting the cost in the aftermath of the weekend's widespread floods, caused by prolonged torrential rain and storm-force winds.

Businesses and householders are reporting thousands of pounds of damage caused by flooding from swollen rivers bursting their banks and the torrents of water pouring off saturated fields and out of full-to-capacity drainage systems.

Some businesses remain closed while the mopping-up operation continues, and insurers estimate the damage. There are local people, mainly in the Rame area, who are still in alternative accommodation while they dry out and clean up their homes.

Members of Cornwall Council's multi-agency recovery group, which was set up to lead the clean-up operation, are continuing to work with the communities affected by flooding.

Among the worst-affected areas were Millbrook, Polperro, Cawsand, Kingsand, Notter Bridge, Looe and Lostwithiel, with reports of flooding from most communities in low-lying areas such as Seaton and Rilla Mill.

There were widespread dangerous conditions from landslips and fallen trees, to flooded roads, some impassable, with many cars being abandoned.

The Environment Agency had been putting out flood warnings on the area's rivers from last Wednesday, which rose to 'serious with danger to life' on Saturday. The Rivers Tamar, Fowey, Lynher, Looe, Seaton and Pol were all on the danger list.

Station manager at Liskeard Fire Brigade, Robert Collins, said it became apparent how serious the situation was when from 7.30pm on Saturday, their call centre took 32 flood-related calls in just 28 minutes alone, from across the Caradon area.

'The calls then kept coming and we were very, very busy,' he said. 'All the brigades were out all over the place, and the police and fire officer were assessing the order of priorities.'

The Liskeard station was asked to keep one manned engine on standby to cover fire emergencies, the only one in Caradon, all other available engines and personnel were answering flooding incidents.

Cornwall Council Fire and Rescue service reported they received more than 520 emergency calls countywide over the two days, with the council's customer contact centre receiving a further 1,100 calls from 4pm on Saturday to midnight on Sunday.

The multi-agency task force was set into operation from Cornwall Council's Silver Control Centre at County Hall in Truro to provide a co-ordinated response to the severe weather conditions.

In a joint statement, Cornwall's response to the flooding has been praised by council leader Jim Currie and portfolio holder for community safety Lance Kennedy.

In congratulating all the emergency services, various council departments and voluntary groups and individuals, for what they described as 'outstanding commitment to the people of Cornwall', they said: 'Whilst we will examine every incident for lessons that may help to make even greater improvements, we are delighted that the investment made in the fire and rescue service and emergency management team has helped to reduce the impact of this demonstration of nature's power.'

South East Cornwall MP Sheryll Murray, whose home village of Millbrook was the worst affected, said: 'It is clear that South East Cornwall has suffered unprecedented amounts of rainfall. I would like to thank the fire brigade, police and coastguard for their brave efforts at this difficult time.

'My thoughts are with everyone who has suffered in this weather. I would like to assure everyone that I will be doing all I can to assist.'

Mrs Murray has asked that anyone with anything they think she can help with should contact her office in Liskeard on 01579 344428.

Visiting the South West on Tuesday to view some of the flood damage for himself, the Prime Minister David Cameron said: 'We have to make sure their insurance pays out and make sure the Environment Agency puts in place good flood defences, and make sure there are better warning schemes.'

The Government has pledged financial aid, yet to be announced, for the worst flood-hit areas across the country.