Vitually totally isolated means almost inaccessible
Does the phrase "Virtually totally isolated" mean "almost inaccessible" please explain?

IELTS reading cam 7 - test 2

Context :

When the project began Makete District was virtually totally isolated during the rainy season. The regional road was in such bad shape that access to the main towns was impossible for about three months of the year. Road traffic was extremely rare with the district, and alternative means of transport were restricted to donkeys in the north of the distinct people relied primarily on the paths, which were supper and dangerous during the rains.

Question : True
Prior to the start of the MIRTP, the Makete district was almost inaccessible during the rainy reason.

Question

Vitually totally isolated means almost inaccessible
Does the phrase "Virtually totally isolated" mean "almost inaccessible" please explain?

IELTS reading cam 7 - test 2

Context :

When the project began Makete District was virtually totally isolated during the rainy season. The regional road was in such bad shape that access to the main towns was impossible for about three months of the year. Road traffic was extremely rare with the district, and alternative means of transport were restricted to donkeys in the north of the distinct people relied primarily on the paths, which were supper and dangerous during the rains.

Question : True
Prior to the start of the MIRTP, the Makete district was almost inaccessible during the rainy reason.

Answer

Hi Javi,
Firstly, it would be redundant to use both "virtually" and "totally" to describe the degree of isolation. Furthermore, there is a difference between them -- "virtually" means almost totally while "totally" brings the emphasis a step further to mean completely.

Secondly, a place that is isolated may be (1) due to its inaccessibility, but the place may also be (2) deliberately cut off from its surroundings, such that no interaction or trade can take place with the "outside world".

Based on your context provided, the place is isolated (inaccessible) due to its poor infrastructure and treacherous weather, so yes, you are right. I am not sure if you have gotten this IELTS passage from an actual practice paper; in my opinion,  using either "virtually isolated" or "totally isolated" will suffice. (Just be aware of the difference in the degree of emphasis.)

Hope this helps.