Deadly Tornado Tears Through Southern Brazil, Leaving Destruction Across Paraná

A Sudden Strike in Paraná

A violent tornado tore through southern Brazil late Friday, killing at least six people and injuring more than 400 others as it ripped through the state of Paraná. The town of Rio Bonito do Iguaçu, Brazil, suffered the most severe damage, with nearly 90% of homes and businesses destroyed, according to local authorities.

The tornado struck with almost no warning. In a matter of minutes, winds reaching 250 km/h (155 mph) flattened buildings, uprooted trees, and flipped vehicles. The sound, residents said, was deafening — a roaring that drowned out the screams and rain.

“It destroyed everything — the town, houses, schools. What will become of us?" said Roselei Dalcandon, a local shop owner standing beside the rubble of her business.

Scenes of Devastation

State meteorologists from Simepar described the tornado as one of the most powerful to ever hit the region. In just minutes, it transformed Rio Bonito do Iguaçu — a town of about 14,000 residents — into what witnesses called a “war zone."

The destruction stretched across much of Paraná. The nearby city of Guarapuava was also hit hard, where one man was killed as winds ripped through the area. Across the state, 437 people were treated for injuries, while more than 1,000 residents were displaced.

Governor Ratinho Júnior described the disaster as an “unprecedented catastrophe in the history of Paraná." Aerial footage showed homes reduced to splinters, silos collapsed, and gas stations torn apart.

“It’s unlikely that any house, or even a commercial building, will remain standing," the governor said.

Human Toll and Response

The victims include three men aged 49, 57, and 83, and two women aged 47 and 14, all from Rio Bonito do Iguaçu. Another man, aged 53, died in Guarapuava. One person remains missing, and authorities fear that number could rise as rescue efforts continue.

Hospitals across the region remain overwhelmed as emergency workers treat the injured and search for survivors trapped beneath debris.

The state government of Paraná declared a state of public calamity, granting access to emergency funds and federal resources.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva offered condolences to the victims’ families and pledged federal assistance. “We will continue to assist the people of Paraná and provide all the help needed," Lula wrote on X.

On Saturday, Institutional Relations Minister Gleisi Hoffmann and acting Health Minister Adriano Massuda traveled to the affected areas to coordinate relief operations. More than 268,000 soldiers have been deployed for rescue and cleanup missions.

Power outages continue to affect more than 1.3 million people as crews work to restore electricity and clear roads blocked by fallen trees and debris.

Meteorological Context

The powerful tornado formed as a cold front collided with humid tropical air, creating ideal conditions for violent rotation. Experts from Climatempo, Brazil’s leading meteorological broadcaster, linked the tornado to the same weather system generating gusts over 100 km/h across southern and southeastern Brazil.

The storm system is expected to move toward the coast through Sunday, affecting parts of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Espírito Santo. Meteorologists have warned of heavy rain, strong winds, and possible flooding in these regions.

Authorities continue to urge residents to stay indoors, avoid open spaces, and remain cautious around damaged structures, trees, and power lines.

A Town Trying to Breathe Again

By sunrise, the scale of destruction in Rio Bonito do Iguaçu became painfully clear. Families searched through the wreckage for anything salvageable — a photograph, a chair, a child’s toy. Volunteers distributed water and blankets as rescuers worked through twisted metal and splintered wood.

The tornado lasted only a few minutes. But for many in southern Brazil, those few minutes changed everything.