It's a fair point about bungalows not having upstairs!, but I still think that people are laying it on a bit - 30 grand per house was mentioned on the news! Sorry but this isn't New Orleans, the damage is superficial, not structural. All you can see now is a tide mark 6 inch above the skirting board. It's not a national tragedy.
As for old people, yes they need the help, and I heard it said by Gordon Brown that this particular village was a tight community. I did see one *********** posing in front of the cameras, making out he was a local hero . Then there are the stories of looting...are they true, or further made up claims for the insurance companies?