Deadly Tornado Devastates Rio Bonito do Iguaçu, Paraná, Leaving Five Dead and Over 130 Injured

Tornado Unleashes Chaos in Southern Brazil

A devastating tornado ripped through the municipality of Rio Bonito do Iguaçu, in the state of Paraná, Brazil, on the evening of Friday, November 7, 2025. The powerful storm, characterized by winds reaching speeds of up to 250 km/h, has claimed the lives of five individuals and left at least 130 people injured. The Environmental Technology and Monitoring System of Paraná (Simepar) preliminarily classified the tornado as an F2 on the Fujita scale, noting that wind speeds in some areas may have exceeded 250 km/h, potentially indicating an F3 intensity.

The impact was immediate and severe, transforming the town into a 'scenario of war,' as described by authorities. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with concerns that more victims may still be trapped under debris.

Widespread Destruction and Infrastructure Collapse

The tornado's fury caused extensive damage across Rio Bonito do Iguaçu. Initial assessments indicate that between 60% and 80% of homes and buildings in the urban area were severely damaged or completely destroyed.

• Roofs were torn off numerous houses.
• Trees and power poles were downed, rendering roads impassable.
• A local supermarket collapsed, trapping residents inside.
• Vehicles were overturned by the intense gusts.
• Over 3,500 households in Rio Bonito do Iguaçu lost electricity, contributing to a total of over 60,000 homes statewide without power.
• Telecommunication networks were also disrupted, hindering early communication efforts.

The widespread destruction has left many residents displaced and in urgent need of assistance.

Emergency Response and Aid Efforts

In the wake of the disaster, a comprehensive emergency response has been activated. Mayor Sezar Augusto Bovino immediately mobilized the entire municipal administration and requested state assistance.

• Civil Defense, firefighters, military police, civil police, and healthcare professionals, alongside numerous volunteers, are actively involved in rescue and recovery operations.
• A field hospital has been established in Rio Bonito do Iguaçu to treat the injured, while hospitals in neighboring Laranjeiras do Sul are reportedly operating at maximum capacity.
• Governor Ratinho Júnior declared a state of emergency and is coordinating humanitarian aid, with the state government fully mobilized to address the crisis.
• The federal government, through the Minister of Integration and Regional Development, Waldez Góes, and under the guidance of President Lula, has pledged support for humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts.
• The municipal government has also launched a PIX donation campaign to support affected families.

The tornado was part of a larger severe weather system, including an intense low-pressure system and an extratropical cyclone, that affected several regions of Paraná.