Zimbabwe declares State of Disaster as Lake Kariba boat death toll jumps to 44
· The South African
Zimbabwe has declared a State of Disaster following the capsizing of a Rural Infrastructure Development Agency vessel on Lake Kariba, triggering an intensified search and rescue operation.
Visit grenadier.co.za for more information.
The vessel was travelling from Kariba to Chalala when it reportedly capsized after being struck by strong waves near Long Island.
This is the RIDA boat named Mbuya Nehanda taking off earlier before the tragedy struck on Lake Kariba today. Communities used this boat as transport from rural Kariba to Kariba urban. It would take some 5hrs or so to cross Lake Kariba. We have very hard questions that require… pic.twitter.com/CF2TEsoki0
— Mutsa Murombedzi MP🇿🇼 (@mutsamu) August 11, 2026
Continuing rescue efforts
A total of 119 people were reportedly on board, including 114 passengers and five crew members. An unconfirmed number of children are also believed to have been among those travelling on the vessel.
Authorities have so far confirmed 44 deaths, while 77 people have been rescued.
Rescue teams are continuing efforts to locate survivors and recover those still missing.
Humanitarian response
The declaration of a State of Disaster allows the Zimbabwe government to mobilise additional resources and coordinate a broader response to the tragedy.
Search, rescue and recovery operations are continuing on Lake Kariba as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and account for everyone who was on board.
The disaster has prompted a major humanitarian response, with emergency services and other agencies involved in the ongoing operation.
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version.