Storms can turn dangerous when large structures suddenly collapse. This is exactly what happened during an extreme storm in Brazil. On December 15, a powerful storm hit southern Brazil and caused dramatic damage in the city of Guaíba, Rio Grande do Sul. Strong winds knocked down a large Statue of Liberty replica outside a Havan megastore, leaving everyone shocked. Scroll down to know more!
Storm In Brazil Destroys Statue Of Liberty Replica
The 24-metre-tall replica of the Statue of Liberty has stood outside the store since 2020. During the storm, heavy winds pushed the structure forward. Videos shared on social media show the statue slowly tilting forward before crashing into the empty parking lot. Times Now reported that wind speeds reached between 80 and 90 km/h, according to local authorities. The statue’s 11-metre base stayed in place, but the upper structure collapsed.
Thankfully, no injuries have been reported yet, as people nearby acted quickly and moved parked vehicles away just in time. Guaíba Mayor Marcelo Maranata later confirmed the collapse on social media. He also said that despite the severe weather, the quick response and safety measures ensured everyone remained safe.
Havan Staff Acts Quickly
After the statue fell, cleaning teams at the Havan store started removing the debris within a few hours, and the store continued to operate as usual. As per Times Now, Havan also clarified that the statue had proper engineering approval and met technical standards, and an internal review is now underway to find out what caused the collapse.
The Brazil storm impacted many parts of Rio Grande do Sul. Defesa Civil sent emergency alerts straight to people’s phones, even if they were on silent mode. With these warnings, officials made sure that residents were informed about strong winds and the risk of falling objects. It was advised that people stay indoors, avoid open areas, and keep a distance from tall structures.
Apart from the statue, the storm also caused damage in several nearby cities. The strong winds damaged rooftops in Passo Fundo, Santa Cruz do Sul, and Vera Cruz. Heavy rain led to waterlogging in parts of Lajeado.
We hope that the original condition of the Statue of Liberty gets restored soon!
Also Read: Chinas 758-Metre-Long Hongqi Bridge Partially Collapses After Landslide; Video Goes Viral
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