RIO BONITO DO IGUAÇU, Brazil — A powerful tornado tore through southern Brazil late Friday, killing at least six people, injuring more than 750 others, and leaving a trail of destruction that officials described as resembling a “war zone.” The twister, which struck the town of Rio Bonito do Iguaçu in the state of Paraná, reached terrifying wind speeds of up to 250 km/h (155 mph) and flattened nearly 90 percent of the community.
A Town Nearly Wiped Out in Seconds
According to local authorities, the tornado struck suddenly, lasting less than a minute — yet in that brief moment, it obliterated homes, flipped cars, and reduced businesses to piles of rubble.
Rio Bonito do Iguaçu, a small agricultural town with a population of about 14,000 residents, now lies in ruins. Aerial images show entire neighborhoods destroyed, with rooftops torn away and buildings reduced to skeletal remains, while nearby farmland remains eerily untouched.
“It looks like a battlefield,” said Fernando Schunig, head of Paraná’s Civil Defence agency. “When tornadoes of this intensity hit urban areas, the damage is catastrophic and often deadly.”
‘War Zone’: Survivors Describe Horror and Loss
Residents recounted the terrifying moments as the storm hit. Gilberto Brecailo, a local mechanic, said his workshop — and his livelihood — vanished within seconds.
“All we have left are our clothes and our documents,” he said, standing amid twisted metal and broken beams. “My shop is gone, and so is everything we worked for.”
Another resident, Marileia Chagas, described being hurled against a structure by the powerful winds before seeking shelter.
“When I came out, everything was destroyed. My daughter and my wheelchair-bound mother were inside. I was devastated,” she said. “In two minutes, everything was gone. Some lost family, but we thank God we’re alive.”
Authorities confirmed that five of the six victims were from Rio Bonito do Iguaçu, with one additional fatality reported in the nearby city of Guarapuava. At least one person remains missing as search and rescue efforts continue.
Emergency Response and National Mourning
Governor Carlos Massa Ratinho Jr. has declared three days of mourning across Paraná to honor the victims. Rescue teams, supported by heavy machinery, are working around the clock to clear debris and locate survivors.
Health officials reported that 10 of the injured have undergone surgery, while nine remain in critical condition.
“It was a very intense and heartbreaking night,” said Cinthia Kelly Somariva, director of a nearby hospital. “Our medical teams are doing everything possible to stabilize patients and support families.”
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed solidarity with victims via social media, while federal and state agencies dispatched emergency aid, including food, hygiene products, mattresses, and tarpaulins, to the disaster zone.
Climate Change and the Growing Threat of Extreme Weather
The tornado’s devastation comes just days before Brazil is set to host the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém. The timing has reignited discussions about climate change’s role in intensifying extreme weather events across South America.
Meteorologists note that while tornadoes are not unheard of in Brazil, the frequency and intensity of such storms have increased in recent years. Warmer global temperatures and higher humidity contribute to greater atmospheric instability and wind shear — conditions that spawn severe tornadoes and supercell storms.
“This disaster is a grim reminder of what unchecked climate change can bring,” said environmental scientist Dr. Laura Menezes. “Communities that never faced such violent storms before are now at serious risk.”
Widespread Damage Beyond Rio Bonito
Nearby towns also experienced high winds, thunderstorms, and hail, though none suffered the same level of destruction. In some areas, power outages and communication disruptions continue, hampering relief efforts.
Emergency shelters have been set up for displaced families, while local schools and churches are serving as temporary housing centers. The state government has pledged rapid reconstruction assistance once recovery operations are complete.
Brazil Stands in Solidarity
In a televised address, Governor Ratinho Jr. called for national unity, urging Brazilians to assist affected families.
“Paraná is mourning, but we will rebuild. The resilience of our people will carry us through,” he said.
International aid groups and neighboring states have also offered support, emphasizing Brazil’s growing need for climate adaptation strategies to prevent future disasters of this magnitude.
⚠️ Key Facts at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Rio Bonito do Iguaçu, Paraná, Brazil |
| Date | November 8, 2025 |
| Wind Speed | Up to 250 km/h (155 mph) |
| Fatalities | 6 confirmed |
| Injured | 750+ |
| Missing | At least 1 |
| Buildings Damaged | ~90% of town |
| Population | 14,000 |
| State Action | 3 days of mourning declared |
| Ongoing Operations | Search, rescue, and relief efforts |
Leave a Reply