Monster tornado devastates Brazil’s Paraná state
A powerful tornado tore through the southern Brazilian state of Paraná, killing six people and leaving more than 700 injured. Officials described it as one of the most intense weather events in the region’s history.
Intensity and classification
After assessing the destruction, the climate agency Simepar upgraded Friday’s tornado from category F2 to F3, noting its extraordinary force and widespread damage.
“In terms of magnitude, it was certainly the most devastating tornado we’ve ever had in the state of Paraná,” said Simepar meteorologist Lizandro Jacobsen, quoted by Bloomberg.
According to the US National Weather Service, an F3 tornado is categorized as severe, with wind speeds from 158 to 206 mph (254 to 331 km/h).
Damage and recovery efforts
Images from Paraná’s Civil Defense revealed catastrophic scenes in the municipality of Rio Bonito do Iguaçu, where homes, vehicles, and roads were crushed by the storm’s force. Officials reported that over 90% of the town was affected as crews worked to restore electricity and water services.
Context of extreme conditions
Southern Brazil has been increasingly prone to extreme weather. Heavy rains across parts of Paraná in November led several cities to declare states of emergency. The region, a major producer of grains and meat, faces mounting climate challenges.
Author’s summary
The F3 tornado that struck Paraná brought catastrophic losses, highlighting the growing frequency and intensity of extreme weather in southern Brazil.