President Mnangagwa Declares State Of Disaster After Mbuya Nehanda Ferry Capsizes On Lake Kariba
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a State of Disaster following the Lake Kariba ferry tragedy.
The declaration was made under Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act after a RIDA passenger vessel capsized near Long Island on Tuesday.
The declaration is expected to allow authorities to deploy additional resources to the affected area.
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Government steps up rescue efforts
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said the declaration would strengthen the national response.
He said the Government could now take extraordinary measures to protect people 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,” Garwe said.
The Department of Civil Protection has activated a multi-agency search and rescue operation.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police Sub-Aqua Unit is involved in the mission.
The Zimbabwe National Army Boat Squadron and local authorities are also participating.
Other stakeholders have joined the operation as authorities intensify efforts to locate missing passengers.
Helicopter joins search operation
A privately owned helicopter has been deployed to support the rescue mission.
The aircraft was provided by the Matusadona Conservation Trust.
It is being used to conduct aerial searches over the affected sections of Lake Kariba.
Marine rescue teams are simultaneously searching the water and assisting people who survived the accident.
The difficult conditions on the lake have added challenges to the operation.
Passenger numbers still being verified
Authorities have not yet established the definitive number of people who were aboard the vessel.
The figures for survivors, missing passengers and recovered bodies are still being compiled.
Government has cautioned that several figures circulating about the disaster remain unconfirmed.
Garwe said authorities were focused on accounting for every person who was aboard the vessel.
“The Department of Civil Protection will continue coordinating the multi-agency response, while efforts remain focused on accounting for every passenger and crew member who was on board the vessel,” he said.
Government promises sustained support
The State of Disaster declaration also provides a framework for continued humanitarian assistance and recovery efforts.
Government said it would maintain the response for as long as necessary.
Garwe said the declaration demonstrated the Government’s commitment to protecting lives during the crisis.
He said additional resources would be mobilised to support search, rescue, recovery and humanitarian operations.
The search for missing passengers is continuing as authorities work to establish the full scale of the tragedy.
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