A violent tornado struck Paraná, a southern state in Brazil, causing widespread destruction, six deaths, and injuring over 400 people. Around 1,000 residents were displaced as strong winds and heavy rain battered multiple towns.
The town of Rio Bonito do Iguaçu suffered the worst impact. More than half of its urban area was heavily damaged, with roofs collapsing and buildings destroyed, according to the state’s civil defence agency.
The nearby city of Guarapuava also faced significant damage from the tornado.
Meteorologists from Paraná's Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring System estimated the tornado's winds reached speeds between 180 and 250 km/h (111–155 mph).
Institutional Relations Minister Gleisi Hoffmann announced plans to visit the disaster area with Acting Health Minister Adriano Massuda and other federal officials to coordinate emergency relief and rebuilding efforts.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed his condolences on X, assuring the public: “We will continue to support the people of Paraná and provide all necessary help."
Author's summary: A powerful tornado in Paraná, Brazil, caused six fatalities and forced numerous evacuations, with the government mobilizing to provide urgent aid and coordinate recovery efforts.