Shocked shopkeepers in the heart of flood-hit Deeside were taking stock of the damage to their stores yesterday as the area prepares for yet more rain.
The Met Office revealed that heavy downpours will only begin to subside on Thursday night, with some showers expected in the north-east on Friday.
SEPA flood warnings remain in place for Ballater, Inverurie and Kintore but have been removed from Aberdeen and Maryculter.
Yesterday, shopkeepers at Aboyne’s Station Square said they were still waiting on the flood water to subside before they can see the damage inside.
A number of shops in Ballater were still closed yesterday too.
Ruth Punyer, who owns the Footprint shoe shop with her husband Lee, said they may now have to delay ordering new items.
She said: “This has been a shoe shop since 1927, but we bought into it in August and added the bit at the back.
“When we got it we had no idea that anything like this could happen.
“It was a bit of a panic yesterday but luckily it could have been a lot worse. Some of our suppliers are saying they may hold back on our summer deliveries until this is all sorted.”
Jim Anderson, who owns the Post Office, said he had not been in his shop for several days.
He said: “I have no idea what’s been lost in the floods. I just hope that it ends soon.”
Last night, the Met Office said that residents across the north-east can expect more rain in the coming days.
A spokeswoman said: “The rain will lessen in intensity from tomorrow, but it will continue until Thursday night before clearing up on Friday.”
The news of more downpours came as Prince Charles pledged to help the flooding victims across the north-east.
North east Liberal Democrat MSP Alison McInnes has today questioned the Deputy First Minister on what temporary support is being given to Aberdeenshire Council.
Ms McInnes said: “The priority at the moment is helping the families and communities affected by the flooding in Aberdeenshire, which is unprecedented in its scale and scope.”