Devastating Tornado Strikes Rio Bonito do Iguaçu, Brazil, Causing Destruction and Tragedy

On November 7, 2025, a powerful tornado struck the town of Rio Bonito do Iguaçu in Paraná, Brazil, resulting in six fatalities and approximately 750 injuries. The tornado, with wind speeds reaching up to 250 km/h (155 mph), caused extensive damage, destroying or severely damaging about 90% of the town's structures.

The tornado formed and impacted Rio Bonito do Iguaçu between 5:30 p.m. and 5:40 p.m. local time on November 7, 2025. The town, home to approximately 14,000 residents, experienced unprecedented destruction. The tornado was classified as an F3 on the Fujita scale, with wind speeds estimated between 180 to 250 km/h (111–155 mph). Some assessments, such as those by PREVOTS, preliminarily rated it as an F4, indicating even higher wind speeds.

Among the six confirmed fatalities was a 14-year-old girl. Approximately 750 individuals sustained injuries; at least 10 underwent surgery, and nine were reported in serious condition. The storm also led to the displacement of around 1,000 residents.

The tornado caused extensive destruction, with about 90% of the town's structures either destroyed or severely damaged. The storm also led to the displacement of around 1,000 residents.

In response to the disaster, Institutional Relations Minister Gleisi Hoffmann and Acting Health Minister Adriano Massuda were dispatched to the affected area to support relief and reconstruction efforts. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed condolences to the victims' families and pledged continued support to the affected communities.

The tornado was part of a severe weather system involving a supercell thunderstorm, which is a type of storm known for producing severe weather, including tornadoes. Such intense tornadoes are rare in southern Brazil, making this event particularly notable.

The destruction of homes, businesses, and infrastructure has left a significant portion of the town's population without shelter and basic necessities. The extensive damage to property and infrastructure is expected to have a substantial economic impact on the region, with initial estimates suggesting losses in the tens of millions of reais.

While Brazil has experienced tornadoes in the past, the intensity and impact of this event are among the most severe recorded in the country's history.

The community of Rio Bonito do Iguaçu now faces the daunting task of rebuilding in the aftermath of this unprecedented disaster. The resilience of the residents, coupled with the support from federal and state authorities, will be crucial in the recovery process.