Tornado Devastates Paraná, Brazil
A powerful tornado hit Paraná, a southern state of Brazil, on Friday night, causing significant destruction and casualties. State officials reported that at least six people lost their lives and over 750 were injured.
Extent of Damage and Victims
The tornado reached wind speeds exceeding 155 miles per hour, leaving widespread damage throughout the city. About 90% of Rio Bonito do Iguaçu was affected, according to civil defense authorities. Among the deceased, five were adults and one was a 14-year-old girl. One person remains missing, and displaced families are increasing in number.
“It destroyed everything. It destroyed the town, houses, and schools. What will become of us?”
— Roselei Dalcandon, local resident, describing the aftermath beside the ruins of her former shop.
Government Response and Context
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed his solidarity with the victims on social media, while his Cabinet confirmed that emergency aid is being rapidly deployed to the affected regions.
The disaster occurred during Brazil’s hosting of COP30 in Belém, where international leaders are engaged in discussions on climate resilience. The tornado’s impact intensifies calls from vulnerable nations for enhanced disaster preparedness, climate financing, and improved early-warning systems.
Summary
This severe tornado in Paraná caused multiple fatalities, extensive injuries, and widespread destruction, highlighting the urgent need for strengthened climate resilience and disaster response in Brazil and globally.