FREDERICTON – A report on the March flood in Perth-Andover recommends moving dozens of homes to protect them from future flood damage.

The flood March 23 forced the evacuation of some five hundred residents and resulted in about $25 million damage.

The report by a group representing Perth-Andover, the Tobique First Nation, NB Power and the provincial government says the flood resulted from an early and rapid rise in the flow of the river, and was beyond human control.

It recommends relocating as many as 72 homes at a cost of about $8 million.

Perth-Andover Mayor Terry Ritchie wants the government to respond to the report within ten days.