A devastating tornado has left a trail of destruction in southern Brazil, claiming at least six lives and injuring over 400 others. The state governor, Ratinho Júnior, described the event as an "unprecedented catastrophe" for the state of Paraná. The tornado's wrath was particularly severe in the town of Rio Bonito do Iguaçu, where winds may have exceeded 250 km/h (155 mph), according to the state's meteorological service, Simepar. The storm ravaged approximately 90% of the residences and commercial buildings in the municipality, leaving many structures in ruins. The governor stated, "It's unlikely that any house, or even a commercial building, will remain standing. We saw silos collapsing, gas stations."
The aftermath revealed a scene of devastation, with aerial footage showing buildings stripped of their roofs and reduced to rubble. Tragically, the victims included three men aged 49, 57, and 83, and two women, aged 47 and 14, all from Rio Bonito do Iguaçu. Another 53-year-old man lost his life in the nearby city of Guarapuava, and one person remains missing. The number of casualties may increase as rescue forces continue to receive information from family members, and the government is still gathering data on homeless and displaced individuals.
In response to the disaster, the state has declared a state of "public calamity," enabling the government to implement emergency measures and mobilize resources. The authorities are urging the public to stay away from open areas and be cautious of structures, trees, and power lines to prevent accidents. The cyclone, associated with a cold front, is expected to generate strong wind gusts in states like Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and São Paulo, and it will continue to affect the coast of Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo until Sunday.
This tragic event highlights the vulnerability of communities to extreme weather events and the importance of preparedness and swift response from authorities.
