Victims of the recent floods in some states of the federation may lose their ancestral homes as the federal government is considering their permanent relocation from flood-ravaged areas to guarantee the security of lives and property.

Assistant Zonal Coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Abuja Operations Office, Mr. Slaku Lugard, dropped the hint on Tuesday in Ilorin in an interview with journalists.

He said the agency had sent a proposal on the need for the permanent relocation of the victims to the Presidency, maintaining that "a permanent relocation of the victims from the flood prone areas is the best option."

He, however, said 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.

Lugard spoke with newsmen during a sensitisation and awareness raising programme on cerebro-spinal meningitis (CMS) and other flood-related diseases organised by NEMA for the people of Kwara state.

The NEMA co-ordinator, Abuja Operations Office, Mr. Ishaya Chonoko, had, in a key note 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 the agency'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 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."