Tornado Kills Five, Injures Over 400 in Brazil
A powerful tornado has destroyed most of a town in southern Brazil, resulting in five deaths and over 400 injuries.
On Friday, a devastating tornado struck Rio Bonito do Iguacu, a town with a population of approximately 14,000 in Parana state, Brazil.
According to the local weather service, the twister caused significant destruction by overturning vehicles and damaging homes.
The Parana state government reported that at least five people lost their lives and over 400 were injured; two individuals remain unaccounted for, with the potential for this number to increase as rescue operations continue.
Winds in Rio Bonito do Iguacu reached an intense speed of between 180 to 250 kilometers per hour (110 to 155 miles per hour), as confirmed by Parana’s environmental technology and monitoring agency.
The Civil Defense officials have stated that around 80% of the town has been destroyed, with images on social media depicting extensive damage and demolished homes.
Fernando Schunig, head of the Parana Civil Defense agency, described the scene as resembling a war zone, emphasizing the high likelihood of further casualties due to the tornado's impact directly in the town center.
The governor of Parana, Ratinho Junior, has assured that security forces are on alert and actively monitoring the affected cities.
An alert for dangerous storms remains in effect across Parana, as well as in the neighboring states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul.
Authorities continue to urge residents to remain cautious and follow instructions during this severe weather event.
According to the local weather service, the twister caused significant destruction by overturning vehicles and damaging homes.
The Parana state government reported that at least five people lost their lives and over 400 were injured; two individuals remain unaccounted for, with the potential for this number to increase as rescue operations continue.
Winds in Rio Bonito do Iguacu reached an intense speed of between 180 to 250 kilometers per hour (110 to 155 miles per hour), as confirmed by Parana’s environmental technology and monitoring agency.
The Civil Defense officials have stated that around 80% of the town has been destroyed, with images on social media depicting extensive damage and demolished homes.
Fernando Schunig, head of the Parana Civil Defense agency, described the scene as resembling a war zone, emphasizing the high likelihood of further casualties due to the tornado's impact directly in the town center.
The governor of Parana, Ratinho Junior, has assured that security forces are on alert and actively monitoring the affected cities.
An alert for dangerous storms remains in effect across Parana, as well as in the neighboring states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul.
Authorities continue to urge residents to remain cautious and follow instructions during this severe weather event.
