Climate & Environment
Storm Brings Down Statue of Liberty Replica in Brazil, No Injuries Reported
By admin
<p>A severe storm swept through <strong>Guaíba</strong>, a city in southern <strong>Brazil</strong>, on Monday afternoon, bringing down a towering <strong>Statue of Liberty replica</strong> in dramatic fashion. Authorities have confirmed that, despite the destruction, <strong>no injuries were reported</strong>.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="/news-images/9bdea5c069a4af26a0e6.png" alt="Statue of Liberty replica Brazil" class="wp-image-226"/></figure> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>📍 A Monument Falls Amid Intense Winds</strong></h3> <p>The replica, which stood at <strong>nearly 40 meters (about 114 feet)</strong> tall, had been installed in the parking lot of a <strong>Havan megastore</strong>, located near a fast-food outlet. As powerful winds lashed the region, the statue was seen swaying before finally collapsing — footage of the moment quickly spread across social media.</p> <p>While the fall shattered the statue’s <strong>upper structure</strong>, including the head, company officials clarified that the <strong>11-meter pedestal</strong> remained intact. The fallen upper section measured around <strong>24 meters (78 feet)</strong>.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>🛑 Immediate Safety Response</strong></h3> <p>Havan, the retail chain that owns the statue, confirmed that the structure had been in place since the store’s <strong>2020 opening</strong> and had undergone <strong>full technical certification</strong>. After the collapse, the affected area was swiftly cordoned off to protect shoppers and staff. Cleanup crews were on-site within hours to clear debris.</p> <p><strong>Guaíba Mayor Marcelo Maranata</strong> commended the prompt action taken by local teams and <strong>state Civil Defence units</strong>, who worked together to <strong>secure the site</strong> and assess nearby damage.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>🌪️ Storm at Its Peak</strong></h3> <p>The statue came down at approximately <strong>3 PM</strong>, right as the storm reached its fiercest point. Meteorological reports recorded wind gusts exceeding <strong>90 kmph</strong>, with some areas experiencing peaks near <strong>100 kmph</strong>. Residents had earlier received mobile alerts about the incoming storm, warning of <strong>strong winds and heavy rainfall</strong>.</p> <p>Despite the incident, the <strong>Havan store remained open</strong> in unaffected sections, though access to the area near the fallen statue remains closed off.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="/news-images/cf45105146894e11be3a.png" alt="Statue of Liberty replica Brazil" class="wp-image-227"/></figure> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>🌧️ Broader Regional Impact</strong></h3> <p>The storm wasn’t limited to Guaíba. Several areas across <strong>Rio Grande do Sul</strong> experienced <strong>hailstorms, damaged roofs, downed trees, localized flooding</strong>, and <strong>temporary power outages</strong>. Meteorologists blamed the extreme conditions on a <strong>fast-moving cold front</strong> and advised that while weather is expected to ease in the coming days, <strong>occasional rain</strong> may still occur.A <strong>technical inspection</strong> will be carried out to determine the precise cause of the collapse and to rule out any structural or maintenance issues beyond the severe weather.</p>