A powerful tornado struck Southern Brazil on November 3, 2023, resulting in at least five fatalities and injuring 432 individuals. The Paraná State Government confirmed that four of the deaths occurred in Rio Bonito do Iguaçu, while the fifth was reported in Guarapuava. The tornado caused significant structural damage, trapping individuals within collapsed buildings.
As of Saturday, rescue operations were still in progress, with the Military Fire Department of Paraná leading efforts to reach those affected. The local health services provided medical assistance to the injured, with nine individuals reported to be in serious condition.
Government officials, both local and federal, visited the impacted areas on Saturday morning to assess the destruction and coordinate recovery efforts. Initial assessments classified the tornado as an EF-2, but further evaluations may lead to a reclassification to an EF-3, with wind gusts estimated between 111 and 155 mph.
The Paraná State Government noted that since the beginning of November, multiple cities in the region have experienced heavy rainfall, storms, and hail. These conditions prompted the government to implement emergency measures aimed at providing resources for victim assistance and rebuilding efforts. Currently, 14 cities within the state are under a state of emergency.
Officials are working diligently to ensure that affected residents receive the help they need, emphasizing the urgency of the situation as recovery efforts continue in the wake of this devastating weather event.
