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President Emmerson Mnangagwa Declares State of Disaster as Zimbabwe's Deadliest Ferry Capsizing Claims 93 Victims

President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a state of disaster following a ferry capsizing on Lake Kariba, which has become Zimbabwe's deadliest maritime accident on record. The death toll has risen to 93 victims, including at least 18 children, after the vessel was struck by a strong wave and overturned a week ago. While the ferry had an official capacity of 90 passengers, reports indicate it was significantly overloaded, carrying between 153 and 168 people. The disaster occurred as the ferry traveled from the town of Kariba to rural and fishing communities. Provincial Affairs Minister Marian Chombo noted that identification of the recovered bodies is becoming difficult, and DNA testing may be required. Police have deployed over 40 divers and four boats to continue the search and recovery efforts. The accident highlights the lack of infrastructure in the region, where boat travel is a vital and cheap transport link for rural communities.

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