A replica of the Statue of Liberty outside a Havan megastore in southern Brazil collapsed after strong winds swept through the state of Rio Grande do Sul amid severe weather conditions, authorities and the company said.
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The incident occurred on December 15 in the city of Guaíba, where a powerful storm hit following official warnings issued by Brazil’s civil defence authority, Defesa Civil. Wind speeds reached between 80 and 90 kilometres per hour, undermining the stability of the structure and causing it to fall completely.
No injuries or significant property damage were reported. Authorities confirmed that the area had been evacuated as a precaution, while eyewitnesses and store employees acted quickly to move parked vehicles away from the site, preventing potential losses.
🌪️ Strong wind gusts exceeding 90 km/h toppled a replica of the Statue of Liberty in Guaiba, in Brazil’s Porto Alegre metropolitan region
🏗️ The statue, installed in front of a Havan megastore, was knocked down during an intense storm that hit the area today pic.twitter.com/WBgstLSV5y
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) December 16, 2025
Guaíba Mayor Marcelo Maranata confirmed the collapse on social media and highlighted the intensity of the winds during the storm. The replica, installed in 2020, stood on an 11-metre concrete base, which remained intact after the structure fell.
Havan said the site was secured immediately after the incident. “The area was immediately isolated by the company, following all safety protocols,” the retailer said in a statement. It added that debris removal began within hours and that store operations continued uninterrupted.
According to Defesa Civil, the storm was triggered by a low-pressure system interacting with a cold front after several days of intense heat. Emergency alerts were sent to residents’ mobile phones, warning of strong winds, structural hazards and severe weather risks.
Strong winds TOPPLE giant Statue of Liberty replica in Guaíba, Brazil pic.twitter.com/mmkrBKGDky
— RT (@RT_com) December 15, 2025
The storm affected other municipalities across Rio Grande do Sul. Hail was reported in Tio Hugo, while roof damage occurred in Passo Fundo, Santa Cruz do Sul and Vera Cruz. Heavy rainfall caused localised flooding in Lajeado, although authorities reported no major disruptions to power or essential services.
The replica had served as a decorative attraction outside the shopping complex, part of a retail chain nationally known for its public support of former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro. Images of the collapse circulated rapidly on social media, drawing widespread attention despite the absence of casualties.
From teleSUR English via This RSS Feed.