FLOODS wreaked havoc again over the Western Division yesterday this time shutting down towns, cutting off water and electricity supply and forcing whole communities to move to higher grounds.

Evacuation centres were activated in Nadi, Lautoka, Ba and Tavua as residents prepared for increasing water levels in river systems because of the 4pm high tide.

In Lautoka, residents were moved to Lovu Sangam Primary School where families left their homes at Lovu seaside, Tore settlement and Naviyago.

Lovu seaside advisory councillor Anulesh Kumar said 25 people were evacuated yesterday.

Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations ACP Livai Driu said restricting movement had to be done to avoid any unnecessary movements.

“Our main concern is the safety of our people and their properties.”

Also calling for caution was the Ministry of Health and Medical Services. Health Ministry permanent secretary Dr Rusiate Tudravu urged residents in affected areas to boil all drinking water and dispose dead animal carcasses properly.

“This will prevent the spread of waterborne diseases such as typhoid and diarrhoea,” said Dr Tudravu.