Lake Kariba disaster: Zim passenger boat drowns 77 on board

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HARARE — Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a State of Disaster following the fatal capsizing of a passenger boat on Lake Kariba on 11 August 2026.

As of August 12, at least 44 people have been confirmed dead.

The affected vessel, identified as the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) Mbuyanehanda, was traveling from Kariba to Chalala. According to an official statement, the boat capsized after reportedly being struck by strong waves while navigating near Long Island.

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