Tornado Devastates Southern Brazil, Leaving Six Dead
A violent tornado struck the southern Brazilian state of Paraná, killing six people, injuring over 400, and forcing around 1,000 residents to leave their homes. The storm hit on Friday night, bringing intense rain and winds that caused widespread destruction across several towns.
Severe Impact on Rio Bonito do Iguaçu
The town of Rio Bonito do Iguaçu suffered the heaviest losses, with officials reporting that more than half of the urban area sustained serious damage, including collapsed roofs and destroyed buildings. Civil defence authorities confirmed that hundreds were treated for injuries.
Destruction Extends to Guarapuava
The nearby city of Guarapuava also reported significant damage as the tornado’s winds, estimated at 180–250 kilometres per hour (111–155 mph), swept through the region, according to the Paraná Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring System.
Government Response and Support
Institutional Relations Minister Gleisi Hoffmann announced that she would visit the affected areas alongside Acting Health Minister Adriano Massuda and other federal officials to coordinate relief and reconstruction efforts.
“We will continue to support the people of Paraná and provide all necessary help,” President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said on X, expressing his condolences to the victims and their families.
Summary
Six dead, hundreds injured, and thousands displaced in Paraná, Brazil after a destructive tornado left widespread damage and prompted a major federal response.