Many survivors of the storm claim sheer faith saved their lives.
At the height of the storm in the small hours of June 28, Gregorio Mascarino, 67, was convinced he and nine other members of his household were going to die as they sat on the roof of their home while raging flood waters swept around them.
Although not a devout Catholic, Mascarino said he prayed that at least one of them would be saved, as he looked at his three grandchildren who were pale and crying.
