Powerful tornado levels town in Paraná; government declares public calamity
A violent tornado swept through the southern Brazilian state of Paraná, killing at least six people and injuring more than 400, local authorities said. State governor Ratinho Júnior called the disaster an "unprecedented catastrophe in the history of the state of Paraná."
Severe damage in Rio Bonito do Iguaçu. Simepar, the state meteorological service, estimated winds may have exceeded 250 km/h (155 mph) in the hardest-hit town of Rio Bonito do Iguaçu. The state government said roughly 90% of the municipality's homes and commercial buildings were damaged or affected. Aerial footage released by officials shows roofs torn from buildings and some structures reduced to rubble; silos and gas stations were among those that collapsed.
"It's unlikely that any house, or even a commercial building, will remain standing. We saw silos collapsing, gas stations," Gov. Ratinho Júnior said.
Casualties and search efforts. Among the six confirmed dead were three men, ages 49, 57 and 83, and two women, ages 47 and 14, in Rio Bonito do Iguaçu. A 53-year-old man was killed in the nearby city of Guarapuava. One person remains missing. Officials warned the toll could rise as rescue teams continue to receive reports from relatives and compile data on people made homeless or displaced by the storm.
Emergency response and forecasts. The state government declared a "public calamity," enabling emergency measures to mobilize resources and request federal assistance. Authorities advised residents to avoid open areas and to be cautious around damaged structures, fallen trees and power lines due to the risk of collapsing debris and electrocution.
Brazilian weather channel Climatempo said the cyclone is associated with a cold front and could produce wind gusts above 100 km/h in other states, including Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and São Paulo. Forecasts indicate the system should move out over the sea through Sunday and may also affect the coasts of Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo.
Ongoing situation. Rescue and relief operations are under way, with officials still assessing the scale of homelessness and infrastructure damage. Local and federal authorities are coordinating to deliver aid, restore services and ensure public safety as aftereffects and further weather impacts are monitored.
