Downpours have wreaked havoc on Migingo Island and led to a surge in Lake Victoria water levels.
This has caused fear among residents, especially those operating on the beaches. On Saturday night, residents of the densely populated island panicked following a sudden rise in water level.
On Sunday, fishermen Noah Okello, a Kenyan, and Leonard Sita, a Tanzanian, told the Star on the phone that the downpours destroyed houses. They also lost fishing gear, boats, engines and catch worth millions of shillings.
The island is less than 2,000 square metres. It can accommodate up to 1,000 people, especially during the high fish-stock seasons such as April.
"We also lost the only island cold room where we stock our catch,” Sita said, adding that it was swept offshore with more than Sh800,000 stock.
The island’s only toilet, Beach Management Unit offices, and the only tank with treated drinking water were also swept away.
"We are afraid that if heavy rains continue to pound the area, most people will leave the island because already several people are now homeless,” Okello said.
"We are afraid that we are facing a cholera outbreak. With more water, the waves have been stronger and fishing harder. We are losing our livelihoods."
They urged the government and aid agencies to help them get a cold room to store their stock and build for them a toilet. Fish is highly perishable.
According to a statement by the director of Kenya Meteorological Department, Stella Aura, moderate to heavy rainfall is likely to continue in different parts of the country, with Migori being among those mapped to receive more rains.
(Edited by F'Orieny)