Rio Bonito do Iguacu [Brazil], November 9 (ANI): At least six people have died, one is reported missing, and nearly 750 others were injured after a powerful tornado struck the southern Brazilian state of Parana late Friday, Al Jazeera reported, citing local authorities.
The tornado, with winds reaching up to 250 km/h, hit the town of Rio Bonito do Iguacu on Saturday and lasted less than a minute, but caused massive destruction, flattening around 90 per cent of the town, which has a population of approximately 14,000. Five of the victims were from Rio Bonito do Iguacu, while another was from the nearby town of Guarapuava. Aerial images show widespread damage, with many buildings losing roofs and large sections of the town reduced to rubble, while farmland and areas outside the tornado’s path remained largely untouched. Surrounding towns experienced strong winds, storms, and hail, though with less severe damage.
Authorities confirmed that at least 10 of the injured have undergone surgery, with nine in critical condition. Emergency teams continue search and rescue operations, and officials warned that the casualty count may rise. Parana State Governor Carlos Massa Ratinho Jr declared three days of mourning in honour of the victims.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed solidarity with affected families in a post on X. He noted that a federal team led by Minister of Institutional Relations Gleisi Hoffmann, along with officials from the Ministries of Health and Regional Integration and Development, was dispatched to the region. Humanitarian relief and reconstruction teams from the National Civil Defence are already on the ground, and professionals from the National SUS Force are providing assistance to local authorities and residents.
“I want to express my deepest condolences to all the families who lost loved ones in the tornado in Rio Bonito do Iguacu and Guarapuava, in Parana. We will continue supporting the Parana population and providing all necessary assistance,” Lula stated.
Experts highlight that climate change may be contributing to the increasing frequency and intensity of tornadoes, as warmer temperatures and higher atmospheric moisture can amplify wind shear and instability, key factors in twister formation, Al Jazeera reported. (ANI)
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