POLICE officers in the west were dispersed to flood-prone areas to assess first-hand the situation on the ground as heavy rains pounded the tourism and cane belt areas yesterday.
Flooding occurred on Narara Parade in the sugar city and at the bus station in the jet set town.
The Information Ministry issued an alert for Rakiraki residents living along and near the Rakiraki river to move to imediately to higher ground because of rapidly rising water.
Police spokeswoman west Naina Ragigia said rather than waiting for reports to filter in, the force has taken a proactive approach.
"Officers in teams of two have been dispersed to make assessments, on the ground," she said.
"Sometimes people are in situations where they cannot call in to report floods - that"s why we"re out there to see what is really happening. So far (at 3pm), the only report of flooding we received is from Nadi where the bus stand has been inundated with water but we are yet to ascertain the exact level as yet," she said.
Meanwhile, Misaele Finaki manager Forecast Service at the Fiji Meteorological Department in Nadi said it was important for people in low-lying areas to be vigilant of flash flooding, especially in areas where heavy rainfall was being experienced.
"This warning is for the Yasawas, Mamanucas, Viti Levu, Kadavu, parts of Southern Lau and the Lomaiviti Group.
"Although this system is fast moving when compared to the one that brought floods in March this year, there is a possibility of flash flooding rather than the big floods we witnessed.
"We are urging people in low-lying areas to be vigilant during this time," he said.
Mr Finaki said the active tough of low pressure over the country was expected to clear by Friday in the Western Division and by Saturday for the rest of the country.