Zimbabwe Ferry Disaster: Death Toll Rises to 93 as Recovery Efforts Continue

The tragic ferry disaster on Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba has left a devastating trail of loss and grief in its wake. A memorial service was held at a stadium in Kariba last week, marking the latest stage in the recovery efforts that are continuing to unfold.

The death toll from the disaster has risen to 93, making it the country's deadliest transport disaster, according to the state-run Herald newspaper. The ferry, which had a capacity to carry 90 passengers, was found to have been carrying at least 168 people when it was hit, leaving many more without loved ones.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a state of disaster following the accident, and search and recovery efforts are ongoing. The lake, which straddles the border with Zambia, is one of the world's largest man-made reservoirs, supporting transport and fishing and providing vital hydroelectric power to both countries.

The death toll rose from 44 at the time of the accident to 84 over the weekend, according to police. Nine more bodies have since been found, with some drifting towards Zambia, the Herald reports.

Provincial Affairs Minister Marian Chombo said 67 people had been rescued after the sinking, but added that it was proving difficult to identify some of the recovered bodies - with relatives having to rely on clothes and other items to do so. 'We are running out of time and DNA may now be needed to assist in the identification process,' the minister was quoted as saying.

The police said 83 of the victims had so far been identified, 39 of whom were children. A vital and cheap transport link for rural communities, the ferry was carrying parents taking their children home for the school holidays and traders, the Herald said.

One survivor in her 40s told the AFP news agency that the ferry had been particularly overloaded at the time with goods - and passengers had raised concerns about the rough conditions. 'The life jackets were buried under the luggage, and not more than 30 people managed to get them,' said Itayi Marumisa, a trader from Mola village.

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'Children were screaming and most of the passengers were vomiting, but the captain did not seem to care,' she added.

A local councillor representing Mola, Tight Bhusumani, told the Herald it was a difficult time for his community, with children in particular affected. 'We have distressing cases where a child lost both parents and other siblings, leaving them as the only surviving member of the family,' he is quoted as saying.

The councillor, who lost a child in the accident, said other families were still awaiting news of those believed to have been on the ferry.

Zimbabwe's iconic stone birds were taken from their usual spot near the lake's shore and returned home for safekeeping. The move was seen as a gesture of goodwill

The recovery efforts are being led The ferry disaster has sent shockwaves around the world, with many expressing their condolences to the people of Zimbabwe.

As the search and recovery operations continue, families are left to pick up the pieces and try to make sense of what happened. The incident has raised questions about safety standards and regulations in place for transport operators on the lake.

The government has promised a full investigation into the disaster, with promises of support for those affected. As the people of Zimbabwe come to terms with this devastating loss, they can take comfort in knowing that they are not alone in their grief.