Tornado in Brazil Destroys Town Kills 6 and Injures Over 700

A powerful tornado in Brazil ripped through the southern town of Rio Bonito do Iguacu on Friday evening, killing at least six people and injuring over 700 others. The sudden storm, which lasted only minutes, left behind scenes of devastation, with homes, schools, and businesses reduced to rubble.

According to local authorities, the tornado brought winds of up to 250 km per hour, tearing through nearly 90 percent of the town. Entire neighborhoods were flattened as roofs were ripped off, vehicles were flipped, and debris was scattered across streets. Aerial images revealed the true extent of destruction — the once-bustling town now looks like a disaster zone.

“It destroyed everything — houses, schools, and shops,” said local resident Roselei Dalcandon, standing beside the wreckage of what was once her business. “What will become of us now?” she added, echoing the despair of many residents.

Officials confirmed that one person remains missing as rescue workers continue searching through piles of debris for survivors. Emergency shelters have been established in nearby towns to accommodate displaced families.

Fernando Schunig, head of Parana’s Civil Defense, described the aftermath as resembling a “war zone”, warning that more casualties could emerge as recovery efforts continue. “When such storms hit urban areas, the damage is severe and often fatal,” he said.

The tornado in Brazil also triggered severe weather across neighboring regions, including intense winds, hailstorms, and flash flooding in parts of Parana, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul. Authorities have issued fresh alerts for dangerous weather conditions in the coming days.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has deployed ministers and disaster relief experts to coordinate emergency aid and assess the damage.

Southern Brazil has witnessed several extreme weather events in recent years. Just last year, devastating floods in Rio Grande do Sul killed more than 200 people and displaced millions, with climate experts attributing the worsening patterns to global warming.

As rescue operations continue, Brazil mourns yet another natural disaster, a reminder of the growing vulnerability of communities amid changing climate conditions.