Maringa:A powerful storm swept through the city of Maringa in southern Brazil early Monday, causing widespread damage and leaving thousands of properties without electricity. Trees and power poles were toppled, disrupting traffic and affecting daily life across the region.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, wind gusts reached 81 kilometers (50 miles) per hour, with rainfall totaling 39.8 millimeters (1.56 inches) between midnight and 615 a.m. More than 82,200 electricity consumer units were without power Monday morning, affecting around 34% of Maringa, as reported by the Parana Energy Company Copel.

The storm caused significant damage, blocking roads with fallen trees, damaging parked vehicles, and striking a church wall. Several buildings, roofs, traffic lights, and a gas station were also damaged, including the headquarters of the city's fire department.

In response to the extensive damage, Maringa Mayor Silvio Barros declared a state of public calamity to accelerate emergency measures and provide assistance to affected residents. Municipal teams were deployed to remove fallen trees, clear roads, and assess the overall damage.

Authorities have urged residents to stay away from fallen trees and damaged power lines due to the risk of electric shocks. The storm's impact was also felt in other municipalities in Parana state, where homes were damaged and electricity services disrupted. Authorities are continuing to assess the damage and coordinate recovery operations.