Devastating Tornado Strikes Paraná, Brazil
An exceptionally powerful tornado hit the southern Brazilian state of Paraná on Friday evening, resulting in six fatalities and injuring over 400 people, according to local authorities.
Impact on Iguazu River City
The city of Iguazu River was the hardest hit, with more than half of its urban area experiencing roof collapses and significant structural damage. Roads were blocked, power poles were toppled, and multiple neighborhoods remain without electricity.
Nearly 1,000 residents have been displaced, the state civil protection agency reported.
Damage in Guarapuava and Weather Details
The neighboring city of Guarapuava also suffered partial damage from the strong winds. The Paraná weather monitoring system estimated wind gusts between 180 and 250 km/h, an intensity rarely seen in this region.
Relief Efforts and Official Response
On Saturday, the Minister of Institutional Relations Gleisi Hoffmann and acting Minister of Health Adriano Massuda visited the affected area to coordinate relief operations and assess reconstruction needs.
The Chairperson Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed solidarity on X (formerly Twitter): "We will continue to assist the people of Paraná and provide them with all the necessary aid."
Firefighters, the Red Cross, and local volunteers remain active in search of missing persons and in relocating affected residents to temporary shelters.
Summary
This tornado in Paraná caused severe destruction, claimed multiple lives, and triggered extensive relief operations to support displaced residents and restore the community.