Scores of families caught up in the London tornado are facing a bleak run-up to Christmas after structural experts told them it is too dangerous to go home.
As many as 100 people were prevented from returning home permanently but were escorted to their properties to pick up vital belongings. Thirty-four houses were considered uninhabitable and some are so badly damaged it is feared it could take weeks - if not months- to rebuild.
Disaster struck on Thursday when the tornado ripped through Kensal Rise, north London, destroying houses, cars and trees. Crediton Road, Chamberlayne Road and Whitmore Gardens were the worst hit but miraculously no-one was seriously injured.
As the laborious clearing up process continued, there were fears some residents did not have the correct insurance.
Local Lib Dem MP Sarah Teather said she was setting up an emergency relief fund for residents not covered by insurance.
"A number of people have said they're anxious about whether they had the proper insurance and whether it's up to date. How many of us make sure it's up to date? It's quite common - you don't expect a tornado in Kensal Rise."
Ms Teather, who asked the Government for money for the fund, said people were "frustrated, anxious and upset". Many had not slept and were still standing in Thursday's clothes.
Brent Council, which is now leading the relief operation, has moved its support centre to Kensal Rise Methodist Church Hall in Chamberlayne Road. It put eight families up in a hotel on Thursday night but said most of those affected had decided to stay with friends and family.
Twelve council surveyors were at the scene all day on Friday, using cherry-pickers to inspect the damage at the most unstable houses. Manor School, close to Whitmore Gardens, remained closed and traffic was diverted away from the scene of the devastation.
The clear-up operation was set to face further setbacks over the weekend with stormy weather and strong winds forecast for Sunday.
