A catastrophic tornado has torn through southern Brazil, leaving devastation in its wake and claiming the lives of six people, including a 14-year-old girl.
Destruction and Emergency Response
The powerful twister struck the state of Parana on Friday afternoon local time, packing winds of 155 miles per hour that ripped through communities with devastating force. Official reports confirm that six people lost their lives while more than 750 others sustained injuries during the violent weather event.
According to Brazil's Civil Defence, the scale of destruction is immense, with approximately 90 per cent of the affected city experiencing damage. The tornado completely destroyed dozens of homes and left buildings with roofs torn off, trees uprooted, and signs and poles twisted beyond recognition.
Victims and Personal Tragedies
Among those killed were five adults and one teenager, identified as 14-year-old Julia Kwapis. The young victim was at a friend's house in Rio Bonito do Iguaçu when she was swept away by the powerful winds, according to her devastated family.
Her mother, Mari Kwapis, told local media that the family heard nothing from their daughter throughout Friday night and into Saturday morning. "Initially what we learned is that she was thrown, she was dragged," she said. "She arrived here in very critical condition."
Julia's father, Roberto Kwapis, revealed the heartbreaking detail that his daughter was due to receive her Catholic Confirmation on the day following the tragedy. The family had planned a barbecue celebration, and in her last audio message to her father, Julia had expressed excitement about the special day.
The other victims have been identified as three men aged 49, 57 and 83, and two women aged 47 and 14 from Rio Bonito do Iguaçu, while a victim in Guarapuava was a 53-year-old man.
Aftermath and Government Response
The regional government has declared a state of emergency in the affected areas as rescue operations continue. Officials confirmed that at least one person remains missing hours after the tornado struck.
Hundreds of people, including children and pregnant women, have been transferred for medical attention at hospitals and on-site units. Of those injured, at least ten required surgery and nine remain in serious condition.
Shop owner Roselei Dalcandon described the complete devastation to AFP, stating: "It destroyed everything. It destroyed the town, houses, schools. What will become of us?"
Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed solidarity with the victims, posting on X/Twitter: "I want to express my deepest condolences to all the families who lost their loved ones in the tornado in Rio Bonito do Iguaçu and in Guarapuava, in Paraná."
The federal government has deployed a team led by Minister Gleisi Hoffmann, including representatives from the Ministries of Health and Regional Integration and Development. National Civil Defense technicians specialising in humanitarian aid and reconstruction are already en route to the affected cities, alongside professionals from the National SUS Force who will provide assistance to local rescue teams.
