Renford Taylor takes a break from clean up work at his house in Nightingale Grove, off Old Harbour Road, St Catherine, yesterday. Taylor's home was flooded during Tropical Storm Gustav. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

SPANISH TOWN, St Catherine:

The tale of woes left by Tropical Storm Gustav was clear in Nightingale Grove, St Catherine, yesterday.

Despondent residents struggled to place dozens of mattresses, stereo systems, television sets and furniture outside their houses to be dried.

"I was at the airport where I work as a director for JUTA. I didn't know the condition here but when I arrived home I found the water rising rapidly and this is what is left," said Renford Taylor, pointing to several pieces of personal items in his house and garage which were covered with mud.

Another resident, Abigail Blake, said she had expected the level of damage because of the poor drainage system in the community which has ben impacted by the construction of Highway 2000.

"For us here, we simply look forward to any disaster. It is sure, just as how one expect Christmas to come around. I am really numb to the situation," she said.

According to residents,water from the Cockburn Gully usually backs up and cause flooding. They say they are now frustrated with the situation.

GUSTAV - PATH OF DESTRUCTION

This house in Vineyards, St Catherine, was almost completely covered by water during the passage of Tropical Storm Gustav last week. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

A man navigates his way across the badly damaged Flat Bridge in the Bog Walk gorge, St Catherine. - Norman Grindley/Acting photography Editor

Silbert Johnson doing some repairs to his electrical meter box, which was the only thing left standing after the onslaught by Tropical Storm Gustav. In the background are the remains of Johnson's home in Manchioneal, Portland. Johnson said he narrowly escaped injury during the storm when his house gave way to the elements. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer