A powerful tornado tore through the southern Brazilian town of Rio Bonito do Iguaçu in Paraná state, killing six people and injuring more than 400 others, according to local authorities. The storm struck late Friday night, flattening homes, schools, and infrastructure in what officials are calling one of the worst natural disasters to hit the region in recent years.
Among the victims were five adults and a 14-year-old girl, while one person remains missing. The tornado displaced nearly 1,000 residents, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency and mobilize federal resources for rescue and recovery.
“The destruction is total,” said a local official. “Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble.”
Wind speeds reached up to 250 km/h (155 mph), causing widespread damage across half the urban area of Rio Bonito do Iguaçu. Nearby cities such as Guarapuava also reported structural damage and power outages. Emergency teams are working to restore electricity, clear debris, and provide shelter and medical care to affected families.
Institutional Relations Minister Gleisi Hoffmann visited the area on Saturday to oversee relief efforts and coordinate federal aid.
