Key Takeaways
- At least 6 dead and 432 injured in devastating tornado
- 90% of Rio Bonito do Iguaçu town damaged or destroyed
- 250 km/h winds caused widespread destruction in urban center
- Emergency shelters established, rescue operations ongoing
A powerful tornado with winds reaching 250 km/h has killed at least six people and injured 432 others in southern Brazil’s Paraná state. The devastating storm struck Rio Bonito do Iguaçu on Friday evening, leaving 90% of the town damaged and creating what officials describe as a “war scene.”
The tornado, accompanied by heavy hail, lasted only minutes but flipped vehicles, flattened buildings, and left large sections of the 14,000-resident town in ruins. Emergency crews worked through the night rescuing trapped residents amid widespread power outages and blocked roads.
Scene of Total Destruction
Eyewitnesses reported complete devastation across the town. Local shop owner Roselei Dalcandon stood beside her destroyed business and told reporters: “It destroyed everything — the town, houses, schools. What will become of us?”
Images circulating on social media showed numerous homes with roofs ripped off or completely demolished. Rescue teams continue searching through rubble for survivors, with two people currently reported missing.
Official Response and Warnings
Fernando Schunig, head of Paraná’s Civil Defense agency, warned that the likelihood of more fatalities remains high. “When these events hit an urban area, the damage is major. It is very lethal,” Schunig stated, describing the aftermath as a “war scene.”
Governor Ratinho Junior confirmed on X that security forces remain on alert and mobilized across affected cities. Emergency shelters have been established for displaced families, while hospitals in nearby cities are treating hundreds of injured residents.
Weather authorities have issued dangerous storm alerts for all of Paraná state as well as the southern states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul.
