Tropical Cyclone Favio takes its wrath out on Mozambique

The Venues4Africa.com team set out to obtain feedback from the various tourist centres in the path of the Cyclone on the varying levels of destruction.
Amanda Morgan, marketing agent to well known Mozambique resorts Casa Rex and Deacra, reported major damage to most parts of Vilanculos where electricity supplies, and as a result water supplies, as well as telecommunications have been seriously effected. Casa Rex sustained only minor damage and remained opened providing accommodation to all emergency personnel. Deacra however, sustained sever damage, losing the roofs off two of their houses. The clean up operation was swift and repairs to Deacra are already under way and they are certain it will be re-open by Mid March for business as usual.
It would seem that the islands off Vilanculos bore the brunt of the force though with major damage/destruction being reported by all operators. Rani Resort’s recently renovated Indigo Bay sustained extensive damage. Managing Director of Rani Resorts Mr John McMillan reported that “there is damage beyond our original assessment” and has pegged the re-opening of the resort to be in June 2007. Teams have already been mobilized to assist in the re-building of the resort and staff accommodation and Rani Resorts has already dispatched humanitarian aid to assist all its employees.
Unlike Cyclone Eline, Zimbabwe seemed to fair better against Cyclone Favio, which by the time it reached Zimbabwe’s Eastern borders had been downgraded to a Tropical Depression. The Bvumba Mountains received heavy winds and rain with no destruction being reported besides an occasional up-rooted tree. However, electricity supplies were severely damaged with reports of over 400 wooden electricity poles being knocked down plunging the area into darkness. Inn on The Vumba’s power was restored 36 hours later whilst the not so lucky Leopard Rock reporting power loss for 7 days.
Moving further south to Chimanimani, which seemed to have been in the path of the down-graded Cyclone Favio, reported similar feedback with only minor damage by way up-rooted trees. Miss Nyembezi, functions coordinator for Chimanimani Hotel reported that 8 out of 35 rooms were booked and they sustained no damage and suffered only a 3 hour power outage.
The cyclone had dissipated to strong winds when it reached Harare by which time the damage assessment was well under away in Mozambique. Several Zimbabweans face the prospect of damaged holiday homes on the coast of Inhasuro and like the major resorts and hotels they share the coast with they will no doubt look to rebuild as soon as humanly possible because, unlike Zimbabwe, each day that passes is a loss in potential tourist arrivals and tourism earnings. Mozambique has boosted tourism considerably over the last few years with a stable economy that sustains investment and Zimbabwe’s cyclone of inconsistent economic policies, fuel shortages and rampant inflation have made it increasingly difficult for tour operators to welcome tourists with seamless operations and no shortages.
The true cost of Cyclone Favio was undoubtedly the loss of the homes of its people who do not have the resources or budgets of major resorts to begin rebuilding. However, a strong presence of international aid and assistance should at least offer some respite to those who watched their homes being swept up and carried away. For more information on which accommodation venues have reopened in Mozambique please contact venues@zol.co.zw for advice.
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