Update as second cyclone hits Madagascar
On Monday Tropical Cyclone Eric hit the south-eastern part of Madagascar, bringing with it strong winds and heavy rains. Just two days later, the more severe Cyclone Fanele made landfall on the island’s west coast, flooding large areas, destroying buildings and cutting off thousands. Cyclone Fanele hit with more force than Eric, with wind speeds of up to 210 km/h. Particularly badly hit is the western coastal town of Morondava which has been left without water and electricity. The extent of the damage is still being assesses and casualty figures for Fanele have not yet been released. Cyclone Eric thus far has one confirmed casualty.
Madagascar, which lies on the mains storm path of the Indian Ocean basin, is usually hit by three to four cyclones a year. Relief packages were distributed in preparation for the cyclone season and additional relief efforts are already underway to affected areas, where large areas of land are still under water.
Travellers to southern Madagascar should be prepared for possible travel delays, building damage and flooding. The south-west of Madagascar, worst hit by Fanele, is not a major tourist region, though Morondava is a sizeable town that does attract visitors. Most tourism is concentrated in the north and along the east coast, the latter of which was hit by the less severe Cyclone Eric on Monday.
Amendment: Credit Cards accepted at Vic Falls, Zim
On Wednesday TravelHub reported on a press release issued by GoToVictoriaFalls.com giving an update on the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls. The update advised visitors to bring cash in foreign currencies, such as the US dollar, British pound, South African rand and Euro as some establishments do not accept credit cards.
The update reported that certain establishments accepted Visa and MasterCard. In fact, according to an update from Lesley Simpson Communications, Visa and American Express are accepted by the following establishments: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, The Boma, Lokuthula Lodges, The Kingdom, Elephant Hills and the Victoria Falls Hotel. According to Rani Resorts the Stanley and Livingstone accepts Visa and MasterCard. Visitors are still advised to carry cash in addition to cards and to check with establishments prior to visiting as to whether they do accept cards and which cards they accept as this is liable to change.
