The government has declared a state of disaster following the capsizing of the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) Mbuya Nehanda ferry on Lake Kariba.
Minister of Local Government and Public Works Dr Daniel Garwe said President Emmerson Mnangagwa made the declaration under Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act [Chapter 10:06] following the tragedy on August 11.
“The vessel, which was travelling from Kariba to Chalala, capsized after reportedly being struck by strong waves while navigating near Long Island,” Garwe said.
At the time of the incident, the ferry was carrying 119 people, comprising 114 adult passengers and five crew members. An unconfirmed number of children are also believed to have been on board.
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Garwe said 77 people had been rescued, while the fate of 27 others remained unknown as search and rescue operations continued.
“As of the latest update, 77 people have been rescued, while 15 fatalities have been confirmed. The fate of 27 people remains unknown as search and rescue operations continue,” he said.
“The Government, through the Department of Civil Protection, immediately activated the national search and rescue response following the incident.”
In a statement on Wednesday, police indicated that 13 people had so far been confirmed dead and 67 had been rescued alive.
The operation is being conducted jointly by the Department of Civil Protection, Zimbabwe Republic Police Sub-Aqua Unit, Zimbabwe National Army Boat Squadron, local authorities and other stakeholders.
“Rescue efforts have since been intensified, with marine rescue teams actively searching the affected area and assisting survivors. A privately owned helicopter from the Matusadonha Conservation Trust has also been deployed to support aerial search and rescue operations,” Garwe said.
He said the declaration would allow the government to mobilise additional resources and implement extraordinary measures to support those affected by the disaster.
“The declaration enables the government to mobilise extraordinary measures and resources necessary to assist and protect persons affected, or likely to be affected, by the disaster,” he said.
“It underscores government’s commitment to protecting lives and ensuring that all necessary resources are mobilised to support the ongoing search, rescue, recovery and humanitarian response.”
Garwe said the Department of Civil Protection would continue coordinating the multi-agency response, with efforts focused on accounting for all passengers and crew members who were on board.
“We also commend the rescue personnel, security services, local authorities, conservation partners and other stakeholders who continue to work tirelessly under challenging conditions,” he said.
“Further updates will be issued as and when more information is verified and confirmed.”
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