Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations (ACPO) Livai Driu said water has started to enter shops in towns, and therefore, it was not safe for people to move in and out of the three towns.

This restriction, he said would also ensure the safety of the three town’s infrastructure.

“We are taking this precaution because of everyone’s safety. This is also done to protect the properties in town from opportunists,” he said.

“Four evacuation centers are currently active in the Western Division with 226 people taking shelter in them.

“The number of evacuation centers is expected to rise along with its number of evacuees if rain continues.

” At the moment the main highway from Ba to Rakiraki is closed to all Traffic. Tavua Town from the entrance is not accessible anymore.”

ACP Driu said the entrance to Ba town has been closed to all traffic.

He said Police standby teams have already started evacuating people from disaster areas and will continue to be on standby tonight.

The Fiji Police Force will continue to monitor the situation.