Devastating Tornado Strikes Southern Brazil
An exceptionally powerful tornado hit the southern Brazilian state of Paraná on Friday evening, resulting in six deaths and injuring more than 400 people, according to local authorities.
Impact on Iguazu River City
The city of Iguazu River was the hardest hit. More than half of its urban area experienced roof collapses and significant structural damage. Roads were cut off, power poles were torn down, and several neighborhoods remain without electricity.
Nearly 1,000 residents have been displaced, according to the state civil protection agency.
Effects on Guarapuava and Weather Details
The neighboring city of Guarapuava was also partially affected by the tornado winds. The Paraná weather monitoring system estimated gusts between 180 and 250 km/h, a level of intensity rarely seen in this region.
Government Response and Relief Efforts
Minister of Institutional Relations Gleisi Hoffmann and Acting Minister of Health Adriano Massuda visited the site on Saturday to coordinate relief operations and evaluate reconstruction needs.
“We will continue to assist the people of Paraná and provide them with all the necessary aid.” — Chairperson Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
Firefighters, the Red Cross, and local volunteers are actively searching for missing persons and helping relocate those affected to temporary shelters.
Author’s summary: An intense tornado in Paraná, Brazil, caused six deaths, hundreds of injuries, and widespread damage, prompting immediate government-led relief and recovery efforts.