EF-1 Tornado Devastates Puerto Varas, Chile

A tornado, classified as EF-1, struck Puerto Varas, Chile on Sunday, May 25, 2025, around 3:30 PM local time. The event caused significant damage in the city center. Eyewitnesses described the scene as "terrifying," with debris flying through the air. The high winds, estimated between 138 and 178 km/h, damaged numerous homes, vehicles, and power lines. Authorities have reported at least one injury, and more than 10,000 homes are without electricity. While there have been no confirmed fatalities, rescue efforts are ongoing. The incident underscores the growing concern about the impact of climate change and the need for improved disaster preparedness in the region. One resident stated, "I've never seen anything like it. It was like a scene from a movie." The city is working to restore power and assess the full extent of the damage.