As floodwater begins to recede in some areas, many brace for uncertain, and potentially costly, recovery process

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- For some people, the flood water is starting to recede and basements are starting to dry out.

But the challenges are only just beginning as people try to replace what was lost or pay for what's been damaged.

As many city leaders have said, there is a long road ahead, but it's difficult for many people to see a path forward.

Some fear a tricky insurance process, others are facing thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs, and still others are worried about basic needs like hot water and clean clothes.

Louie Ladnai lives near 20^th and Howard in Milwaukee. He told us, "It's right there. I lost everything."

We met Ladnai's because the pile of flood-damaged property at his curb was -unfortunately- the largest on his street.

Ladnai said he's already paid thousands of dollars for new appliances. "Water heater: $2300. A furnace: over $4000." He also needs to shop for a new washer and dryer, going without clean clothes for now.

He took us inside his basement, where a top-of-the-line system that included four water pumps could not clear floodwater fast enough.

Ladnai told us, "Everything was lost. What can I do know?"

He's one of thousands of people looking at an uncertain, scary, and costly recovery.

Ramon Serna showed us how high the water rose in his garage. "This is the line over here. This is the highest it was."

Serna's wife has cancer and uses a scooter. It was damaged in their flooded basement. They're unsure how she'll get around now.

Nearby, Jesse Ruiz has been throwing out everything in his basement, a challenge after arm surgery.

He said he has pretty good insurance coverage, but he still does not have much confidence. "It ain't much because the insurance adjuster seems kind of hesitant."

Still he, his wife, and four children are holding on.

Ruiz said, "We're living comfortable right now, but it's just the fact about not having hot water, is what's affecting us."

A neighbor, Nurul Islam bin Nur Alam, was trying to dry out his car, which had stopped working.

Nurul speaks Rohingyan. His daughter, Nuraisyah, interpreted for us. She explained, "When he came home after work, he found out that his car was this much."

Nurul's basement was also drying out after taking on several feet of water.

He pays for car insurance and home insurance but isn't sure how to navigate the next steps.

Nuraisyah said, "Sometimes he can't afford it. And he also doesn't know how to speak English. So he needs a translator."

Several people told us other people have been looting their damaged belongings that they have to leave at the curb to throw out. They said it feels disrespectful, like adding insult to injury, as they wait for city crews to clear the streets.