A severe storm swept through the city of Guaba in Brazil’s southern state of Rio Grande do Sul on December 15, causing the collapse of a towering replica of the Statue of Liberty installed outside a local Havan megastore. The dramatic incident occurred as strong winds battered the region, drawing widespread attention after videos of the structure toppling were shared on social media.
According to Brazil’s civil defence authority, Defesa Civil, wind speeds during the storm reached up to 90 kilometres per hour, creating hazardous conditions across the city. The Statue of Liberty replica, which measured approximately 24 metres in height and had been erected in 2020, was unable to withstand the force of the gusts. The structure ultimately gave way, falling into the store’s parking area during the height of the storm.
Despite the scale of the collapse and the size of the structure, authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported and no significant property damage occurred. The statue had been mounted on an 11-metre-high concrete base, which remained intact after the incident. Officials noted that the stability of the base highlighted the intensity of the winds that struck the area and caused the upper structure to fail.
Eyewitnesses described tense moments as the storm intensified and the statue began to sway. Store employees and nearby individuals reacted quickly, moving parked vehicles away from the area as a precaution. This rapid response is believed to have prevented potential damage and ensured public safety. A widely circulated video captured the moment the statue slowly tilted before collapsing onto the pavement below, underscoring the power of the storm.
Mayor Marcelo Maranata addressed residents following the incident, stating that the city had been hit by strong wind gusts during the afternoon hours. He said municipal teams were deployed immediately to assess the situation and respond to weather-related incidents. According to the mayor, both the Civil Defense and the Secretary of Infrastructure were fully mobilised to ensure the safety of the population and to address any emergencies resulting from the storm.
Authorities had issued severe weather warnings ahead of the storm, urging residents across southern Brazil to remain alert and take precautions against possible damage caused by high winds. Following the collapse, emergency teams continued to monitor affected areas, secure public spaces, and clear debris where necessary.
The fallen statue had long served as a recognisable landmark for the Havan store, visible from a distance due to its height and prominent placement. Local officials said inspections would be carried out to determine next steps regarding the site and to assess whether additional safety measures were required.
City departments remained on standby in the hours following the storm, reinforcing coordinated efforts to manage the aftermath. Officials emphasised the importance of preparedness and swift response during extreme weather events, noting that timely action played a key role in preventing injuries during the incident.
