Water levels are rising: Fishermen are losing landing areas on Migingo island

This, according to fishermen on the island, has eaten up suitable landing spots, therefore exposing anchored boats to dangerous waves and winds.

“The water levels have gone up a lot because the many rivers flowing into the lake and the rains directly pounding the lake area are bringing in a lot of water into the lake,” said a fisherman who only identified himself as John.

He added that: “Most of the suitable landing areas are now submerged under water, thereby exposing fishermen and their boats to danger.

A number of boats have been destroyed after being smashed against the rocks by strong waves and winds.

According to one of the fishermen, one of the three islands, all in close proximity, has lost its entire anchoring spots due to the rising waters.

Residents living on the island said that some of the makeshift houses are already nosing the waters, putting residents in danger of falling into the waters.

The controversial island, a tiny 0.49-acre giant piece of rock, is said to be home to some over 300 people, and could be more.

Here you will find security officers, traders and fishermen. There are also children on the island, children of traders and business people who have invested on the island. The island also has a chain of bars, lodging areas and rental houses.

The waters of Lake Victoria have in the last three years been increasing exponentially all over region, taking over land and forcing many inhabitants previously living near the lake to transition further inland.

A number of beach houses, housing various Beach Management Units that manage activities in the lake, have had to move after their offices were swallowed.

Meanwhile, death-toll following the catastrophic rains on Wednesday hit 257 after 19 more people were killed by floods across the country in the last 24 hours, government said.