Funchal Bustling With Visitors Again
Madeira has enjoyed a reputation of year round sunlight with many a holidaymaker. However, this small island paradise was suddenly pitched into the news headlines throughout the world for a very different reason. In late February 2010, heavy rainfall precipitated flooding of biblical proportions. Mudslides and wholesale rock falls also accompanied the spouting horrors of the fast flowing waters as they hit Funchal, Madeira’s capital city, and other coastal villages and towns. The world looked on in horror and many a potential tourist scratched the destination of Madeira from their list of places to go and see.
Where the wrath of nature strikes with such precipitous intensity, death cannot be far removed. And, so it was with the anguished events that overtook Madeira. Whilst primary estimates of fatalities were pessimistically placed in the hundreds, once the mud had been cleared and the accumulation of rocks and boulders dug out, the final death toll was below one hundred. Thankfully, holidaymakers were by and large spared any significant casualties. The hotel district of Funchal escaped relatively unharmed. However, one confirmed British death was certified as a car carrying a 50 year old women from Garton-on-the-Wolds, East Yorkshire, was swept away beneath the flood waters. In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, Madeira was faced with the clearing up task and a publicity campaign to recover its former glory in the European holiday marketplace.
It will come as no surprise that, subsequent to this unwanted media exposure, Madeira’s tourist numbers underwent an immediate blow. Madeira excursions (for further information see this link) bookings suffered in the months following the horrendous disaster.
Of course, Sunflower guide books (www.love-madeira.com/sunflower-books.html) continued to update and publish its two excellent illustrated volumes detailing walks and car tours on Madeira.
Funchal, being the capital of Madeira, celebrates its individuality with true vivacity. It entertains its visitors with glee and energy. But, Funchal is also a atypical working city. As such it has all the haste and bustle of any other capital city. Do not be fazed though, there are oodles of relaxing things to do and behold. The resurgent city will assuredly serve to make your stay pleasing.
In its past, Funchal has oftentimes suffered under external hardships – mostly from marauding pirates and the pestilence of disease. However, the commercial center of Madeira has always managed to rise above hardship. This is true of its most recent disaster. Funchal has gathered its strength and rapidly made good the loss inflicted in February 2010. Indeed, for anyone unknown to the island, Funchal will very likely appear as a city untouched by bad fortune. For returning holidaymakers, changes will be noticeable, but many of these have actually bolstered the logistics of the city. Funchal is once more announcing itself “open for business”.