NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 12, 2026Miami-Dade
President Mnangagwa declares state of disaster following Lake Kariba ferry capsizing
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a state of disaster to mobilize government resources after an overloaded ferry capsized on Lake Kariba, resulting in at least 44 confirmed deaths. Survivors report that the vessel was carrying significantly more passengers than its 90-person capacity and that the captain ignored repeated warnings to turn back as conditions worsened.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10 – Main FeedWhy It Matters
The declaration of a allows the Zimbabwean government to deploy emergency funding and resources to assist victims and families affected by the sinking of the government-operated ferry.
Key Facts
- At least 44 people died in the ferry capsizing.
- The ferry had a stated capacity of 90 people.
- Estimates suggest up to 153 people were on board at the time of the incident.
- The disaster management agency reported 114 adult passengers and 5 crew members were on the manifest.
- 77 people have been confirmed rescued.
- The captain of the ferry died in the incident.
- The ferry was operated by a government agency.
- The incident occurred on Tuesday on Lake Kariba.
- The lake is over 200 kilometers long and up to 40 kilometers wide.
- The lake was created in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Who's Mentioned
organizationZBC News“State broadcaster reporting on the incident.”personMutsa Murombedzi“A local member of Parliament who shared video of the ferry departing.”organizationThe Herald“State-run newspaper.”locationLake Kariba“The site of the ferry disaster.”personEmmerson Mnangagwa“President of Zimbabwe who declared the state of disaster.”personAnyway Chambati“A surviving crew member who handled ticketing.”