Heavy rain has produced severe flooding in the Whakatane town centre and at least one landslip east of the town.
Steve Smith, of the northern communications centre, said the Fire Service was dealing with about 12 callouts.
He said there had also been a landslip on West End Road, Ohope, east of the town, and it was reported a house was damaged although nobody was injured.
A welfare centre had been opened at Ohope Christian Centre to accommodate people evacuated from West End Road.
Whakatane District Council said an additional welfare centre would be opened at the Whakatane War Memorial Hall should the need arise.
Police said diversions were in place at Peace St, McAlister St, McGarvey Rd and Apanui Rd.
There were also reports of flooding near the Hikurangi St-Pouwhare St intersection near the river walk.
Motorists were asked to avoid the area and slow their speeds down.
Council Civil Defence controller Diane Turner said the council would continue closely monitoring the situation for the next few hours and people were being asked to stay way from rivers as they could quickly rise without warning.
