Almost four years after the storm, a quarter of the population has never returned. A third of homes still lie empty, many decked with tarpaulins and with the flood-line still visible.

The country would not have to draw down the line of credit unless it needed to; but the credit's existence would give investors confidence in its ability to ride out the storm.

What's more, the weather had now taken a filthy turn for the worst. Already above the snow line, a series of hail storm showers were stinging my face.