Brazil: Tornadoes injure 16 and leave hundreds homeless in Santa Catarina August 14

Event

Two tornadoes injured at least 16 people, and caused significant infrastructural damage in several municipalities of Santa Catarina on Friday night, August 14, leaving at least 830 people homeless and 115 displaced. The tornadoes hit the cities of Água Doce and Irineópolis. According to official reports, as of Saturday, August 15, 4245 homes were affected, in addition to 65 private facilities and another 40 public ones.

The strong winds and heavy rains also reportedly affected Catanduvas, Tangará, Vargem Bonita, Santa Rosa de Lima, Ibicaré, and Petrolândia. Images on social media show fallen trees, overturned cars and trucks, as well as widespread infrastructural damage, including exposed wires, broken shop windows, and rubble.

Travel disruptions are to be expected as emergency services carry out operations in the area.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, abide by directives issued by local authorities, and prepare for transportation disruptions.