ActionAid Zimbabwe Statement on the Lake Kariba Ferry Disaster

ActionAid Zimbabwe is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life following the ferry disaster on Lake Kariba. According to a Reuters report published on 12 August 2026, a passenger ferry capsized on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, resulting in the deaths of 44 people. (Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/fifteen-bodies-recovered-lake-wher…)

Our deepest condolences go to the families who have lost loved ones and to the communities of Kariba, who are confronting an unimaginable tragedy. Our thoughts are also with the survivors, those who remain missing, and the families anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.

Every life lost is a family torn apart, a future interrupted and a community left to grieve. At this moment of profound loss, we stand in solidarity with all those affected.

We commend the Civil Protection Department, rescue teams, local authorities, community members and all those working tirelessly under extremely difficult conditions to rescue survivors and recover those who remain missing. Their courage, dedication and commitment in the face of such distress are deeply appreciated.

This tragedy is also a painful reminder that disaster risk management is, ultimately, about protecting people and safeguarding lives. Preparedness, prevention, safety standards, early warning systems, effective regulation and timely response are not merely technical or institutional matters; they are matters of life and death.

As Zimbabwe continues to strengthen its disaster risk management systems, the lessons from this tragedy must be carefully documented and translated into action. We must be prepared to ask difficult but necessary questions about safety, preparedness, enforcement and accountability; not to assign blame while communities are grieving, but to ensure that preventable loss of life is never normalised.

ActionAid Zimbabwe remains committed to advancing disaster risk reduction approaches that put people at the centre of preparedness, response and recovery, with particular attention to women, children, older persons, persons with disabilities and other groups who may face heightened risks during disasters.

At this painful time:

• We mourn with the families who have lost loved ones.
• We stand with the survivors and affected communities.
• We honour the rescue teams and all those working to save lives.
• We hold in our thoughts those who remain missing and their families.

ActionAid Zimbabwe stands in solidarity with the people of Kariba and with all Zimbabweans during this devastating time. May the souls of those who have lost their lives rest in peace, and may their families, friends and communities find strength and comfort as they navigate this profound loss.