Government Declares State of Disaster as Lake Kariba Ferry Tragedy Deepens

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a **State of Disaster** following the capsizing of a Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) passenger vessel on Lake Kariba.

The ferry capsized near Long Island on Tuesday, triggering a major search-and-rescue operation involving multiple government agencies and local authorities.

The declaration was made in terms of Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act and is expected to enable the Government to mobilise additional resources and strengthen the emergency response.

Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said the declaration would allow authorities to take extraordinary measures to protect people affected by the disaster.

The Department of Civil Protection is coordinating a multi-agency operation involving the Zimbabwe Republic Police Sub-Aqua Unit, the Zimbabwe National Army Boat Squadron and local authorities.

A privately owned helicopter provided by the Matusadona Conservation Trust has also joined the operation, conducting aerial searches over affected areas of the lake.

Marine rescue teams are continuing to search the waters and assist survivors, despite challenging conditions on Lake Kariba.

Authorities have warned that the number of passengers aboard the vessel has not yet been conclusively established. Figures relating to survivors, missing passengers and recovered bodies are still being verified.

Government has urged the public to rely on officially confirmed information as efforts continue to account for every passenger and crew member who was aboard the vessel.

The State of Disaster declaration will also facilitate continued humanitarian assistance, recovery efforts and the mobilisation of additional resources as the search operation continues.

Authorities remain focused on rescuing survivors, recovering those missing and establishing the full extent of the tragedy.