A violent tornado struck Rio Bonito do Iguaçu in Paraná on Friday night, killing six people and injuring more than 400 as winds exceeded 155 mph. Authorities declared a state of emergency after dozens of homes were destroyed and civil defense estimated about 90% of the town sustained damage. The government reported 437 people received medical care, at least 10 underwent surgery and nine remained in serious condition, while President Lula pledged continued support.
Powerful Tornado Ravages Rio Bonito do Iguaçu — 6 Dead, 400+ Injured as Winds Exceed 155 mph
A violent tornado struck Rio Bonito do Iguaçu in Paraná on Friday night, killing six people and injuring more than 400 as winds exceeded 155 mph. Authorities declared a state of emergency after dozens of homes were destroyed and civil defense estimated about 90% of the town sustained damage. The government reported 437 people received medical care, at least 10 underwent surgery and nine remained in serious condition, while President Lula pledged continued support.
06:48, 09.11.2025Environment
Deadly tornado levels town in Paraná
A powerful tornado struck the southern Brazilian state of Paraná on Friday night, killing six people and injuring more than 400, state officials said Saturday. The storm, with winds estimated to have exceeded 155 mph (250 km/h), flattened dozens of homes in Rio Bonito do Iguaçu, a town of roughly 14,000 residents, and prompted authorities to declare a state of emergency.
"It destroyed everything. It destroyed the town, houses, schools. What will become of us?" Roselei Dalcandon told AFP as she stood beside the rubble of what had been her shop.
State officials reported that at least one person remained missing hours after the tornado touched down and warned the number of missing could rise as search and rescue operations continue. Of the six fatalities, five were adults and one was a 14-year-old girl.
The government said 437 people — including children and pregnant women — received medical attention at hospitals and field units. At least 10 people underwent surgery and nine remained in serious condition, according to officials.
Civil defense teams estimated that roughly 90% of the town suffered some form of damage, from destroyed houses to public buildings. Local authorities and federal agencies deployed personnel to assist with search and rescue, medical care, debris removal and temporary shelter for displaced families.
On social media, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed solidarity with victims: "We will continue supporting the Paraná population and providing all the necessary assistance," he wrote. Emergency services and humanitarian aid remain in place as officials assess the full scale of the destruction and begin recovery efforts.