Tornado in Southern Brazil Kills Six, Injures Hundreds

A powerful tornado struck southern Brazil late Friday, killing at least six people and injuring hundreds, according to local authorities. The storm caused widespread destruction in Rio Grande do Sul, toppling trees, tearing roofs off homes, and leaving thousands without power.

Rescue teams worked through the night to pull survivors from collapsed buildings in the towns of Cruz Alta and Ibirubá, the hardest-hit areas. Officials said winds exceeding 130 km/h (80 mph) uprooted houses and flipped vehicles.

“It was total chaos — roofs were flying, power lines were down, and people were screaming,” said a local resident, Maria Soares, describing the terrifying moment the tornado hit.

Emergency services confirmed that more than 500 people were injured and over 1,200 homes were damaged or destroyed. Authorities have declared a state of emergency, mobilizing military units for search and relief operations.

Meteorologists said the storm formed after a clash of cold and warm air masses, a phenomenon increasingly frequent due to climate instability in southern Brazil.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed condolences to the victims’ families and promised federal aid to rebuild affected communities.