By Munacho Gwamanda-The death toll from the collapse of Bandama Farm Dam in Chipinge has risen to five, with two more children still missing.

The dam breach, which occurred on Sunday, unleashed a massive torrent of water downstream, resulting in the drowning of at least five children. Authorities have identified the victims as Agnes Muchadeyi (4), Blessing Maone (10), Tapiwa Mtisi (13), Forgiveness Maphosa (10), and Zembilo Dube (4).

Meanwhile, search efforts continue for Grace Mlambo (8) and Juliet Mhlanga (4), who remain unaccounted for.

Speaking on Tuesday, Deputy Local Government Minister Benjamin Kabikira acknowledged the scale of the disaster and the losses suffered by the affected community.

“We have assessed the extent of the damage caused by the dam breach,” he said. “Apart from the tragic loss of lives, we have also witnessed the destruction of critical infrastructure, including bridges, and the loss of livestock.”

Kabikira added that the government had provided food assistance to support the bereaved families and pledged further aid in funeral arrangements.

“We are here as messengers of our President, His Excellency Emmerson Mnangagwa. In the spirit of leaving no one and no place behind, as espoused by our President, we have delivered foodstuffs to assist during the funerals of the deceased children. The government will also help with funeral logistics to ensure that the bereaved families do not bear the burden alone,” he said.

Rescue teams are still searching for the missing children as authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage.