The district, like many other places in Malawi and the entire Southern Africa region received minimal rains which have led to the current state of the lake.

Experts fear that if the area receives less than 600 mm of rain this year, the lake may dry up completely. 

Over 90% of the lake is gone and what remain of the water body are small swathes of water.  

The drying up of the lake has affected many people in the District who survive on the Lake for protein; Chiuta has been known to be the home of over 37 fish species including commercial kinds like Chambo, Mlamba and Matemba.

The catch has dwindled and most fishermen are migrating to other places, a development that threatens the survival of many families and the social fabric of the fishing community around Chiuta.  

Meanwhile, for the fishermen of Lake Chiuta and their families, the only hope left is a prayer that the country receives enough rains to resuscitate the dying lake.