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 ferocious winds, possibly exceeding 250 km/h (155 mph), have laid waste to the town of Rio Bonito do Iguaçu, destroying approximately 90% of its residences and commercial buildings. Governor Júnior stated, "It's unlikely any structure will remain standing. We've seen silos and gas stations collapse."
The aftermath reveals a scene of devastation, with aerial footage showing buildings stripped of their roofs and reduced to rubble. Among the deceased are three men aged 49, 57, and 83, and two women, aged 47 and 14, all from Rio Bonito do Iguaçu. A 53-year-old man was also killed in the nearby city of Guarapuava, and one person remains missing. The number of victims could rise as rescue forces continue to receive reports from family members, and information on homeless and displaced individuals is still being gathered.
In response to the disaster, the state has declared a state of "public calamity," enabling the government to implement emergency measures and request federal support. The cyclone, associated with a cold front, is expected to generate strong wind gusts exceeding 100 km/h in states like Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and São Paulo. The forecast predicts the phenomenon will traverse the sea until Sunday, affecting the coast of Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo as well. Authorities are urging the public to stay clear of open areas and be cautious of structures, trees, and power lines to prevent accidents and falls.
