Kariba boat tragedy declared a State of Disaster

The ferry capsized on Tuesday after reportedly being struck by strong waves while navigating near Long Island as it travelled from Kariba to Chalala.

Remember Deketeke

Herald Correspondent

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has declared a State of Disaster following the capsizing of a Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) Mbuyanehanda ferry on Lake Kariba, which left many poeople dead with search and rescue operations still underway.

The ferry capsized on Tuesday after reportedly being struck by strong waves while navigating near Long Island as it travelled from Kariba to Chalala.

In a statement this morning, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said the vessel was carrying 119 people, comprising 114 adult passengers and five crew members, while an unconfirmed number of children were believed to have been on board.

President Mnangagwa declared the State of Disaster in terms of Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act [Chapter 10:06], enabling Government to mobilise additional resources for the ongoing emergency response.

“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,” said Minister Garwe.

Following the incident, Government, through the Department of Civil Protection, immediately activated the national search and rescue response.

The operation is being conducted in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Republic Police Sub-Aqua Unit, Zimbabwe National Army Boat Squadron, local authorities and other relevant stakeholders.