A tornado destroyed homes in Rio Bonito do Iguana, with one official saying the destruction resembled a “war zone.”
A tornado with winds of up to 250 km/h (155 mph) ripped through Brazil’s southern state of Paraná, killing at least six people and injuring 750 others.
Local authorities said Saturday that the twister that struck late Friday lasted less than a minute but destroyed about 90% of the town of Rio Bonito do Iguacu.
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The town is home to 14,000 people.
Aerial photographs show many buildings in Rio Bonito do Iguaçu without roofs, and parts of the town appear completely flat. Nearby, the green farmland and trees outside the tornado’s path appear largely untouched.
A devastating weather pattern hit Brazil on Monday as it prepared to host the United Nations climate change conference COP30 in Belem.
Experts say climate change could contribute to more frequent and more powerful tornadoes, as warmer temperatures and more moisture in the air increase atmospheric instability and wind shear, the factors that cause these tornadoes.
“War zone”
Fernando Schnig, head of Paraná’s civil defense agency, described the town as a “war zone” in an interview with local news outlet G1.
“When these events hit urban areas, the damage is huge. It’s very deadly,” he says.
Rio Bonito do Iguacu resident Gilberto Brecairo said his maintenance shop was one of the buildings destroyed by the tornado.
“There’s not much we can do… All we have left are clothes and documents. My livelihood, the mechanic shop, is gone and my son works with me,” he said, standing near support beams and piles of building rubble.
Another resident, Marileia Chagas, said she was thrown against a building by the strong winds, but was able to hide under a bench until the wind passed.
“When I came out, everything was destroyed. There was a daughter and her mother in a wheelchair. There was also a father inside. I was shocked,” she said. “Everything fell to the ground in two minutes. Some lost their families, but we have to thank God that everyone is alive.”
Officials said five of the dead were from Rio Bonito do Iguacu and another victim was from the nearby town of Guarapuaba.
At least one person is missing.
Towns near Rio Bonito do Iguaçu were also hit by winds, storms and hail, but none suffered the same level of damage, according to the local government.
memorial
Governor Carlos Massa Lacinho Jr. declared three days of mourning in honor of the dead. Officials said the death toll could rise further as search and rescue operations continue.
Health officials said at least 750 people were injured in the tornado, with 10 requiring surgery and nine in critical condition.
Cynthia Kelly Somariva, director of a nearby hospital, said she was still assessing the fallout from the tornado. “It was a very sad and intense night. There were lives lost,” she said.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed solidarity with the victims on social media. Members of the Cabinet announced the dispatch of emergency aid to the region.
Officials said food, hygiene products, tarpaulins, mattresses and several other items will be provided to victims.
