Tornado Devastates Southern Brazil, Leaving 5 Dead and Hundreds Injured

A powerful tornado struck Southern Brazil on November 3, 2023, resulting in at least five fatalities and injuring 432 individuals. The tornado primarily affected the municipalities of Rio Bonito do Iguaçu, where four deaths were reported, and Guarapuava, which recorded one fatality.

The extreme weather event caused significant destruction, collapsing buildings and leaving many residents trapped under debris. Authorities are actively engaged in search and rescue operations, which are ongoing as of Saturday morning. The Military Fire Department of Paraná and local health services have been deployed to provide medical assistance to the injured, with nine individuals reported in serious condition.

Assessment of Damage and Emergency Response

Initial assessments classified the tornado as an EF-2, but damage evaluations suggest it may be reclassified as an EF-3 due to the intensity of the winds, which reached between 111 and 155 mph. The Paraná State Government has indicated that emergency measures are in place, with 14 cities currently under a state of emergency.

“Since the beginning of November, several cities in Paraná have faced heavy rains, storms, gales, and hail, prompting the State Government to allocate resources for victim assistance and rebuilding efforts,” a government spokesperson stated.

Local and federal officials have visited the affected areas to assess the situation and coordinate response efforts. The government emphasizes the importance of swift action to support those impacted by this disaster.