Devastating Tornado Strikes Paraná, Brazil: Six Dead, Hundreds Injured

On November 7, 2025, a powerful tornado struck the municipality of Rio Bonito do Iguaçu in Paraná, Brazil, resulting in significant casualties and widespread destruction. The tornado, classified as an F4 on the Fujita scale by PREVOTS and MetSul Meteorologia, produced wind speeds between 333 and 418 km/h (207 to 260 mph). The event led to six fatalities, including a 14-year-old girl, and injured over 750 individuals, with at least ten undergoing surgery and nine in serious condition. Approximately 90% of the town's structures were damaged or destroyed, displacing about 1,000 residents. In response, the government declared a state of emergency, and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva ordered the dispatch of emergency aid, including food, hygiene products, tarps, and mattresses, to support those affected.

The tornado's impact was devastating, with the majority of the town's infrastructure severely affected. Governor Carlos Massa Ratinho Jr. declared three days of mourning for the victims and emphasized the unprecedented nature of the disaster. He stated, "In the last 30 or 40 years, we haven't seen a tornado with this strength. It destroyed silos and gas stations."

In addition to the fatalities and injuries, the tornado caused the collapse of roofs and major structural failures in over half of the urban area. Infrastructure damage included downed trees, overturned vehicles, and significant harm to power lines, leaving approximately 75% of Copel electric company customers without power.

The government's response was swift, with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressing solidarity with the victims and ordering the dispatch of emergency aid. Institutional Relations Minister Gleisi Hoffmann, Acting Health Minister Adriano Massuda, and other federal officials planned to visit the area to aid in relief and reconstruction efforts. President Lula stated, "We will continue to assist the people of Paraná and provide all the help needed."

This tornado is among the most intense ever recorded in Paraná. MetSul Meteorologia highlighted that the occurrence of an F3 tornado in southern Brazil is a rare event, comparable only to a few documented cases in recent decades. The last significant tornado in the region occurred in 2015 in Marechal Cândido Rondon, classified as an F1 by Simepar, though later studies suggested it was an EF2.

The tornado's impact on Rio Bonito do Iguaçu has been profound, with nearly the entire town's infrastructure affected. The destruction of homes, schools, and businesses has displaced a significant portion of the population, leading to urgent humanitarian needs. The economic repercussions are substantial, with initial estimates pointing to losses in the tens of millions of reais, although the exact amount has yet to be officially released.

In the aftermath, the community has shown resilience, with residents coming together to support one another. Temporary shelters have been set up in gyms and schools, and nearby hospitals have been treating the injured. The state government has announced plans for the reconstruction of the most affected areas, including the emergency construction of 320 houses and the temporary suspension of power and water billing. Additionally, financial support has been allocated for the rebuilding of homes and schools.

As the town begins the arduous process of rebuilding, the focus remains on providing immediate relief to those affected and implementing measures to prevent such catastrophic events in the future. The tragedy has underscored the need for enhanced disaster preparedness and response strategies in the region.