The Marine Police and the Air Wing unit rescued 16 people yesterday from three different sinking islands on L.Victoria in Kayunga and Nakasongola districts.
A police helicopter was dispatched to locate the 16 people who were also trapped on the three tiny islands that were sinking because of the rising water levels and strong winds.
"We also learned of the families that were trapped at three tiny islands between the districts of Kayunga and Nakasongola. Our helicopter was flown to these three islands rescuing all the 16 people trapped on these islands with a possibility of sinking as the water levels kept rising and the winds blowing severely." police spokesperson Emilian Kayima said in a statement.
Kayima said police also rescued five other people whose boat had capsized on Wednesday evening after being swept away by strong winds on river Ssezibwa.
"We want to send a message warning those that reside or work in water logged areas to take extra care as the rains fall. All must report possible incidents of drowning in case it happens to the area commander for quick intervention," Kayima said.
Police has been able to rescue five people alive who had been washed away by heavy rains as well as recover five bodies in Jinja, Bweyogerere and Kawanda over the last one week.
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