Law enforcement agencies are discouraging sightseers from attempting to enter flooded areas and are increasing patrols in those areas.

“Our main thing is to deter people from getting into the water for safety issues and to try to protect property,” Vicksburg police Chief Walter Armstrong said Tuesday following a regular Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting.

The Vicksburg Police Department, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks have extra patrols on duty to secure areas that have been evacuated.

“We will be up and down the Mississippi River,” said MDWFP spokesman Jim Walker. “We’re not allowing recreational boats or sightseeing in the flooded areas. We’re in emergency mode.”

Sheriff Martin Pace has said deputies are stationed around the clock at Eagle Lake, which is nearly deserted, and are patrolling north and south of the city.

Walker cautioned people to stay away from the water because of strong river currents and wildlife that has moved from the river onto the flooded land.

Residents are encouraged to call the MDWFP at 1-800-237-6278 if there are sightings of wildlife on their property.