The federal government may permanently relocate victims of the recent devastating floods in some states of the federation from their ancestral homes to guarantee the security of their lives and property.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has sent a proposal on the need for the permanent relocation of the victims to the presidency.

The Assistant Zonal Coordinator, NEMA, Abuja operations office, Mr. Slaku Lugard Bijimi, told newsmen in Ilorin yesterday that a permanent relocation of the victims from the flood prone areas was the best option.

He however said that the federal government must collaborate with the government of the affected states and the victims before taking a final decision on the issue of relocation of the victims.

Bijimi spoke with newsmen during a sensitisation and awareness programme on cerebro-spinal meningitis and other flood related diseases organised by NEMA for the people of Kwara State.

The NEMA coordinator, Abuja operations office, Mr. Ishaya Chonoko, had in a keynote address, raised the alarm over a possible outbreak of flood related diseases such as cholera, lassa fever, measles and other skin diseases as a result of the recent flooding.

He said that NEMA's fear was borne out of, "the fact that the flood waters have contaminated other natural sources of water of various communities."

"The usage of this contaminated water by the flood affected people for drinking, bathing, washing due to shortage of potable water can lead to outbreaks," he said.

He therefore, advised Nigerians to ensure proper ventilation of their homes, adding that "potable water should be well kept and properly covered and periodic washing of hands should be encouraged."