Brazil Tornado Leaves Six Dead and Hundreds Injured in Parana
A powerful tornado accompanied by heavy rain and fierce winds struck the southern Brazilian state of Parana on Friday night, causing widespread destruction. The state government confirmed on Saturday that six people lost their lives.
The town of Rio Bonito do Iguacu suffered the most severe damage, with more than half of its urban area impacted by roof collapses and other structural failures, according to the state’s civil defense agency. Authorities reported that 437 people were injured and around 1,000 residents had to be displaced from their homes.
The neighboring city of Guarapuava was also affected. Meteorologists from the Parana Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring System estimated that the tornado’s winds ranged between 180 kph (111 mph) and 250 kph (155 mph).
Federal officials pledged immediate assistance. Institutional Relations Minister Gleisi Hoffmann stated that she would visit the affected region along with acting Health Minister Adriano Massuda and other government representatives to oversee emergency relief and reconstruction efforts.
“We will continue to assist the people of Parana and provide all the help needed,” wrote President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on X, expressing condolences to the victims' families.
Author’s Summary
A violent tornado in southern Brazil devastated parts of Parana, killing six, injuring hundreds, and displacing many as federal aid arrives to assist recovery.