A dam collapse in eastern Zimbabwe has left five children dead, while rescuers continue searching for two others still missing, authorities said Thursday.
The disaster occurred on Sunday in Chipinge, a remote district in the east. Weeks of heavy rainfall caused the dam to overflow, leading to its collapse. The floodwaters rushed downstream, sweeping away homes and people. Officials initially confirmed the deaths of a four-year-old girl, who had been washing clothes with her mother, and a 30-year-old man. The girl’s mother survived.
A search operation began after reports of missing children. This led to the discovery of four more bodies, raising the death toll to five. However, two children, aged eight and four, are still unaccounted for.
The Civil Protection Unit reported that floodwaters hit villages downstream, catching many by surprise. Some children were fishing or washing clothes near the river when the water swept them away. The flood also destroyed farm equipment and killed livestock.
Rescue teams, including local police and community volunteers, continue searching for the missing children. Officials say harsh conditions are slowing their progress, but efforts remain ongoing.
Zimbabwe recently faced its worst drought in 40 years. Now, heavy rains in many regions are causing floods, raising fears of more disasters.