Tragic Dam Collapse in Eastern Zimbabwe Claims Five Lives, Two Missing

A dam collapse in eastern Zimbabwe has resulted in the deaths of five children, with two others missing as authorities conduct search efforts. The incident occurred after heavy rains breached the dam walls, leading to flooding that surprised local residents and damaged property. The national disaster management agency is involved in ongoing rescue operations.

In eastern Zimbabwe, a tragic dam collapse resulted in the loss of five children’s lives, while two others remain unaccounted for, as confirmed by the nation’s disaster management agency. This unfortunate incident occurred following heavy rains that caused a breach in the dam’s infrastructure at a farm in Chipinge.

The dam failure took place on a recent Sunday, with initial reports indicating that a four-year-old girl, engaged in laundry tasks with her mother, and a thirty-year-old man were the first casualties. Fortunately, the girl’s mother survived the accident. However, as searches progressed, four additional bodies of children were recovered.

The Civil Protection Unit is actively conducting ongoing search efforts for two missing children, aged eight and four. The floodwaters from the dam inundated local villages, unexpectedly catching children who were engaged in fishing or laundry activities near the river, while also causing destruction to agricultural equipment and livestock.

Collaborative efforts involving the Civil Protection Unit, police, and local community members are focused on recovering the remaining missing children. This incident follows a period of extreme drought in Zimbabwe, which has now been succeeded by incessant rainfall in various regions.

The unfortunate dam collapse in eastern Zimbabwe highlights the devastating impact of natural disasters exacerbated by extreme weather patterns. With five children deceased and two still missing, the incident emphasizes the critical need for improved infrastructure and preparedness in the face of severe climatic changes. The community and authorities continue to engage in search efforts to locate the missing children and assist the affected families.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com