Brazil, Dec 16 : A seemingly ordinary Monday in southern Brazil turned dramatic as a massive replica of the Statue of Liberty collapsed under powerful gusts in Guaíba, near Porto Alegre. Standing 35 meters tall, the statue, installed by the Havan retail chain in 2020, suffered extensive damage to its upper 24 meters. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
A landmark meets nature’s fury
The statue, located in a Havan store car park, had become a well-known local landmark. Videos shared on social media captured the statue swaying violently before crashing to the ground with a thunderous impact, narrowly avoiding passing vehicles.
Storm warnings issued earlier
Authorities had issued a red alert for severe winds, instructing residents to stay indoors, secure property, and avoid open areas. Meteorologists reported gusts exceeding 90 km/h, caused by a combination of a cold front and atmospheric instability.
Quick emergency response
Thanks to prior warnings, no one was hurt. Havan and local authorities quickly cordoned off the area, while specialized teams began removing debris. The company confirmed all its statues comply with safety standards, and a technical investigation is underway.
Partial destruction, technical assessment ongoing
The statue’s 11-meter pedestal remained intact, while the upper portion broke at its base. Havan is conducting a thorough review to prevent future incidents and ensure public safety.
Storms wreak havoc across Rio Grande do Sul
The statue collapse was one of many incidents caused by the storms, which also brought hail, flooding, fallen trees, and structural damage across several cities including Cristal, Passo Fundo, and Santa Cruz do Sul. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and assisting affected residents.
Havan statues: Iconic but vulnerable
Havan stores nationwide feature similar Statue of Liberty replicas, each 35 meters tall, serving as prominent landmarks. The Guaíba incident underscores the vulnerability of tall structures to extreme weather events.
The dramatic collapse has highlighted the importance of early warning systems and rapid emergency response during severe weather events in Brazil.