Mine disaster deaths could be as high as 70

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a state of disaster the Silver Moon and Cricket Mines disasters in Kadoma.

The number of deaths which were said earlier to be 23 could rise to between 60 and 70.

The miners in Battlefields, 175 km west of Harare, had entered shafts on land owned by RioZim and another firm in search of gold on Sunday night.

Cricket mining disaster is a sad development on our national calender.Its sad to learn that the majority of those believed to have been trapped in the mine are youth belonging to a youth mining https://t.co/2DvqkhK2V0 this… https://t.co/oz4em2zLOs
— Tendai Chirau (@TendaiChirau) February 15, 2019

But the dam wall nearby collapsed, flooding the shafts and tunnels.

Extremely concerned …the situation regarding casualties in the Battlefields mine disaster near Kadoma which could rise from the initial 23 reported yesterday is very disturbing. Our prayers are with all the affected and their families.
— nelson chamisa (@nelsonchamisa) February 15, 2019

With the declaration by government victims will now receive assistance.

Speaking to ZBC News, the Director of the Civil Protection Department Mr Nathan Nkomo said relative of each victim will receive $1000 which will go towards meeting burial costs plus one blanket to each victim among other forms of assistance.