Government has given indications it will fight illegal miners (galamsey operators) in the Eastern region whose actions are said to have caused the devastating floods resulting from the Birim River breaking its banks. At least five people have been confirmed dead by the police as relief items and emergency evacuation programmes for victims are reaching the affected communities albeit at a snail pace. Atiwa, Kade and the Fantiakwa districts are said to be worst hit. Regional Minister Dr. Kwesi Apea–Kubi told Joy News on Sunday that "if you go to the Akyem Abuakwa area where it has been extensively mined, the rain just hits the soil, it removes the soil, and where does it go to? Together with the rain water it goes straight into the nearest stream.” He said the forest around Atiwa has been destroyed by these galamsey operators making it difficult for the soil to withstand the heavy downpour. "As a people, as a government, we need to ensure that this galamsey business that is going on is stopped. Don’t let us combine it with politics – NPP and NDC politics,” he urged. Joy News’ correspondents in the Easter region report that some of the affected victims have been forced to climb coconut trees for safety whiles waiting for the evacuation team. There is also increasing fears in some parts of the Volta River where reports of the rising levels of the Avu and the Keta Lagoons are increasing. There are early signs of floods in the Central region where the water levels of some rivers keep rising. In the meantime, officials of NADMO and the 48 Engineers regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces are helping residents cope with the situation. Story by Derick Romeo Adogla/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana