Some Hull householders had to flee with a few belongings

It was originally thought some 16,000 homes had been hit but they were the number of houses in flooded streets which had to be checked by the council.

Only 6,500 of those were actually flooded, Kim Ryley told BBC Look North.

"Even those not flooded may have had damage to garages, sheds - maybe cars were written off - so it's still on a very significant scale," he said.

Meanwhile, rogue traders who charge the elderly and vulnerable exorbitant fees for unnecessary and sub-standard repairs after the floods are being targeted by the police.

Trading standards staff have joined forces with police to seek out unscrupulous workers across the region.

It is highly likely this area will be targeted by unscrupulous people with the intention of overcharging residents who are desperate Det Insp Steve Goforth

Tradesmen involved in resurfacing, gardening, roofing and similar work will be spoken to by the teams.

Det Insp Steve Goforth, of Humberside Police, said: "We will not tolerate doorstep crime."

He continued: "Due to the terrible damage caused in this part of the region by the floods last month it is highly likely that this area will be targeted by unscrupulous people with the intention of overcharging residents who are desperate to get their repairs done.

"We need information from the public if they are victims or if they suspect rogue traders are operating in their area.

"I would encourage them to contact us or their local council to report any suspicious activity.

"We need to let the criminals who commit these offences know that we will not tolerate it.