The tornado that struck Rio Bonito do Iguaçu, in south-central Paraná, on the afternoon of Friday, July 7, reached EF3 status, with winds of 250 km/h, according to the Paraná Environmental Monitoring and Technology System (Simepar).
In the city, at least four people died and more than 130 were injured, according to Civil Protection. The agency also reported one death in Guarapuava, in the central region of the state.
According to Simepar, the intensity of the tornado is measured using the Fujita scale, which assesses wind speed. Meteorologist Samuel Braun explained that it was possible to confirm the tornado’s classification thanks to the analysis of weather radar data, aerial images, and the damage in the city.
Images recorded by residents of Rio Bonito do Iguaçu show houses with roofs torn off, damaged properties, and downed power lines. The videos also show debris from buildings and houses with roofs ripped off. Watch the video above.
Simepar explained that the city was hit by a supercell thunderstorm, which is characterized by the presence of a mesocyclone: an updraft of air that rotates within the cloud.
The expert explains that the main difference between a tornado and a regular thunderstorm is the rotation of the wind. Other factors also contributed to the tornado’s formation.
The atmospheric conditions were very humid and warm. Other factors also played a role, such as the difference in wind speed between the surface and the upper layers of the atmosphere. In meteorology, this is called wind shear. In this case, the wind shear was extremely high. Several factors contributed to the formation of these storms […] and, in this case, the tornado in that city —the meteorologist explained—.
Braun stated that, in his 23 years as a meteorologist, this was the strongest event he had ever witnessed. “This was devastating. Even by category. I don’t recall us ever reaching an EF3,” he added.
The Paraná State Government reported that 30 firefighters were dispatched from various cities to Rio Bonito do Iguaçu, and that 20 firefighters from the Tactical Rescue Operations Group (GOST), the corporation’s elite unit, would also be deployed along with search dogs.
The state also made all rescue teams available for emergency services in the city and surrounding areas, including Laranjeiras do Sul, Cantagalo, Porto Barreiro, Candói, and other districts.
By nightfall, the city’s Fire Department reported the deaths of five people. During the early morning hours, the death toll was revised to four after the authorities discovered that one of the victims had been counted twice: once in Rio Bonito do Iguaçu and again in Laranjeiras do Sul. On Saturday morning (8), another death was confirmed in Guarapuava, raising the total back to five.
Ambulances from Cascavel and Guarapuava are assisting in the care of the injured. Hospitals in the region are overwhelmed, and the Health Secretariat has already made beds available in other locations in anticipation of a possible surge in demand in the coming hours.
Governor Ratinho Junior (PSD) announced that the government will establish a command and coordination center for the emergency response at the Central Fire Department Headquarters in Guarapuava, with an advanced support structure located closer to the most affected area in Rio Bonito do Iguaçu.
Several vehicles from other towns, such as Cascavel, Dois Vizinhos, and Maringá, will also support the operations.
According to the government, rescue aircraft are awaiting ideal weather conditions to deploy. Chainsaws and other heavy machinery will also be sent to clear blocked roads and assist in the search.
Police officers, firefighters, municipal officials, and volunteers are working in the city and neighboring municipalities searching for victims.
The state government reported that it has loaded Civil Defense trucks to transport basic supplies of food, hygiene kits, and shelter to the south-central region. They are expected to begin departing from Curitiba this morning.
Waldez Góes, Minister of Integration and Regional Development, announced early Saturday morning (8) that he plans to send humanitarian aid to Paraná.
Góes reported that, under the direction of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT), he is coordinating the deployment of teams and support for reconstruction efforts.
