A rare F3 tornado ripped through the Brazilian town of Rio Bonito do Iguaçu on Friday, leaving at least six dead and more than 750 injured, according to local media reports. Aerial drone footage released on Saturday revealed the full extent of the devastation, showing flattened homes, debris-strewn streets, and widespread destruction across roughly 80% of the town’s 12,000 residents.  

Residents described scenes of chaos as powerful winds tore roofs from houses, uprooted trees, and tossed vehicles through the air. Emergency services rushed to assist survivors, while hospitals reported being overwhelmed with hundreds of injured citizens, many requiring urgent medical attention.  

Authorities have declared a state of emergency as search and rescue operations continue amid concerns about trapped or missing individuals. Relief agencies are mobilizing to provide food, temporary shelter, and medical aid to the affected population.  

Meteorologists called the F3 tornado an unusually severe event for the region, noting that such powerful tornadoes are rare in southern Brazil. Local officials emphasized the need for improved early warning systems and disaster preparedness to reduce the impact of future extreme weather events.  

The Brazilian government pledged support for reconstruction efforts, and international organizations have begun coordinating relief assistance. For the residents of Rio Bonito do Iguaçu, the disaster marks a devastating chapter in the town’s history, with much of the community’s infrastructure needing urgent repair.