Devastating Tornado Strikes Paraná, Brazil
An exceptionally powerful tornado hit the southern Brazilian state of Paraná on Friday evening, causing 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 torn down, and several neighborhoods remain without electricity. Nearly 1,000 residents have been displaced, as reported by the state civil protection agency.
Effect on Guarapuava and Weather Details
The neighboring city of Guarapuava also suffered partial damage from the strong winds. According to the Paraná weather monitoring system, the tornado produced gusts between 180 and 250 km/h, an intensity rarely recorded in this region.
Government Response and Relief Efforts
- Minister of Institutional Relations Gleisi Hoffmann and Acting Minister of Health Adriano Massuda visited the affected areas on Saturday to oversee relief coordination and assess reconstruction needs.
- Firefighters, the Red Cross, and local volunteers are actively searching for missing persons and assisting displaced residents with temporary shelter.
"We will continue to assist the people of Paraná and provide them with all the necessary aid." — Chairperson Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on X (formerly Twitter)
The devastating tornado has left a severe mark on Paraná, demanding urgent relief and reconstruction efforts from government and community organizations.
Would you like the author’s summary to be more formal or conversational?