A powerful tornado struck the southern Brazilian state of Paraná, leaving six people dead and at least 750 injured, local authorities confirmed.
Governor Ratinho Júnior described the event as an “unprecedented catastrophe in the history” of the state.
According to Simepar, the state’s meteorological service, winds in the town of Rio Bonito do Iguaçu may have exceeded 250 km/h (155 mph).
The tornado devastated nearly 90% of homes and businesses in the municipality, the state government said.
“It’s unlikely that any house, or even a commercial building, will remain standing. We saw silos collapsing, gas stations,” the governor said.
Aerial footage revealed widespread destruction, showing roofs torn from buildings and some structures reduced to rubble.
The six fatalities in Rio Bonito do Iguaçu include three men, aged 49, 57, and 83, and two women, aged 47 and 14. Another man, 53, died in nearby Guarapuava, and one person remains missing.
Authorities warned that the death toll could rise as rescue teams continue to receive information from families. Data on displaced and homeless residents is still being collected.
The state government has declared a state of “public calamity,” enabling emergency measures, mobilization of resources, and requests for federal assistance.
Brazilian weather channel Climatempo reported that the tornado is linked to a cold front and may produce wind gusts above 100 km/h in Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and São Paulo.
The phenomenon is expected to move toward the sea by Sunday, potentially affecting the coasts of Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo.
Officials are urging residents to stay away from open areas and remain vigilant around structures, trees, and power lines due to the risk of accidents.
