As the heavens opened so did many of the hearts of people in the community as they rallied to support each other.

The 'MAIL' visited a number of households across the borough earlier this week.

As the emergency services struggled to cope with the floods neighbours, friends and Craigavon councillors joined in the efforts to help out those in danger.

For Pearl Davidson when the floods hit her Carrick Drive home on Saturday night it was a traumatic time.

The 58-year-old is a full-time carer for her brother Wesley (45) who is severely disabled.

Pearl too suffers ill health and breathing difficulties, she said: "Wesley has cerebral palsy and can take severe epileptic fits.

"When the water started bubbling up through drains and in the door I was really worried for him, I could have cried.

"He can be very aware of his surroundings and can become distressed very quickly if something changes."

Pearl spent most of Saturday ringing the various agencies trying to get help to her home.

She continued: "I rang and rang and when I got through to someone they said there were problems all over and someone would try to get to me.

"I tried to explain the situation to them that there were exceptional circumstances but they didn't seem to understand the urgency of the situation."

Eventually the Fire Service reached Pearl's home and pumped out as much water as they could through the night.

The entire floor of the Carrick Drive bungalow has been left sodden and ruined and there is a fetid smell as the house is being dried out.

Pearl added: "Friends, neighbours and even councillors have been a great help since the weekend.

"Everybody has offered as much help as they can and I am very grateful."

However, things did not all end in misery for Pearl, an antique rosewood cabinet was spared from the flood damage.

The valuable piece of furniture has been passed down through the generations in her family.

With the threat of more floods a group of volunteers from the Elim Church helped transport it to safety on Monday night.

Neighbour and friend to Pearl, Mrs J Taylor said she would not let the torrential rains dampen her spirits.

Her home was flooded in the weekend downpour, she said: "I have just had the decorators in, but I won't let it get me down.

"I love my home and enjoy the time we have in it, this will not get me down and we will get over it.

"My neighbours and friends were amazing - very supportive - I really think I have the best neighbours you could ask for."

It is thought over a month's worth of rain fell on Saturday and August is already being touted as the wettest since records began.