A violent tornado accompanied by strong winds and torrential rain struck the southern Brazilian state of Parana, leaving six people dead and hundreds injured, state authorities confirmed on Saturday.
The town of Rio Bonito do Iguacu was the hardest hit late Friday night, with the state’s Civil Defense agency reporting that over half of the urban area sustained major roof collapses and structural damage. Roads were blocked by debris, and widespread power outages were reported as utility lines came down under the force of the storm.
In total, 437 people were treated for injuries, while approximately 1,000 residents were displaced from their homes. The nearby city of Guarapuava also suffered significant damage.
According to the Parana Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring System, the tornado’s winds reached estimated speeds between 180 km/h (111 mph) and 250 km/h (155 mph) — powerful enough to cause catastrophic destruction across multiple neighborhoods.
Brazilian authorities have mobilized to assist with relief and reconstruction efforts. Institutional Relations Minister Gleisi Hoffmann announced she would travel to the affected region along with acting Health Minister Adriano Massuda and other federal officials.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed his condolences to the victims’ families, writing:
“We will continue to assist the people of Parana and provide all the help needed.”
Emergency teams continue to clear debris and restore essential services as communities begin to recover from one of the most devastating weather events in the region’s recent history.
Δείτε αυτή τη δημοσίευση στο Instagram.
