Statue of Liberty Replica Battered by Strong Gusty Winds
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A 114-foot replica of the Statue of Liberty in Guaíba, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, has fallen amid severe weather conditions. The incident occurred on Monday, Dec. 15, around 3 p.m. local time. The iconic statue, located at a Brazilian retailer Havan in Guaíba, collapsed due to wind speeds of 50 to 56 miles per hour in the metropolitan region, as reported by StringersHub and Newsweek.
Footage of the incident captured the statue bending against the strong winds before crashing to the ground from its pedestal. Fortunately, no injuries were reported despite the dramatic collapse. The statue’s torch, raised arm, and crowned head shattered upon impact in the parking lot below, while the surrounding cars managed to avoid any damage.
Guaíba Mayor Marcelo Maranata confirmed that the collapse of the statue was a result of the intense weather conditions in the area. Emergency services were immediately deployed to cordon off the site and clear the debris. Mayor Maranata reassured the public through a Facebook post, stating that the Civil Defense and the Secretary of Infrastructure were actively ensuring the safety of the population.
Apart from the Statue of Liberty replica incident, state authorities highlighted that the adverse weather had caused other injuries and property damage across the region. Authorities issued a heavy rain warning until Wednesday, Dec. 17, cautioning residents about potential risks including power outages, falling tree branches, flooding, and lightning strikes, according to Brazil’s national weather service, INMET.
As cleanup operations continued, residents were urged to exercise caution while driving and to avoid flooded areas to prevent accidents. The community response emphasised the importance of safety measures during unpredictable weather events to prevent any further incidents or harm to individuals.
The symbolic nature of the Statue of Liberty replica collapsing face-first in Brazil sparked various reactions online, with some commenters drawing parallels to the current state of affairs in the country. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of natural forces and the significance of preparedness in mitigating potential risks during extreme weather occurrences.
The Statue of Liberty replica, commissioned by Havan in 2020, stood as a landmark in the area before its untimely downfall. Despite the loss of this iconic symbol, the focus remains on ensuring the well-being of the community amidst the aftermath of the weather-related challenges faced in the region.
As authorities continue to assess the damages and enhance safety measures, the incident stands as a testament to resilience and the need for proactive measures in addressing weather-related risks. The fallen replica serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of prioritising safety in the face of unpredictable environmental situations.