A violent storm swept through southern Brazil on December 15, knocking down a towering replica of the Statue of Liberty outside a Havan megastore in Guaíba. The dramatic collapse, captured on multiple videos that quickly went viral, unfolded as wind gusts surged past 90 kilometers per hour, according to local authorities.
No injuries were reported. Officials and the retailer credit early storm warnings and rapid action by staff for preventing what could have been a far more serious incident.
What happened during the storm in Guaíba?
The 24-meter replica, installed in 2020 at the entrance of the Havan store, began to sway as severe weather moved into Rio Grande do Sul’s metropolitan region. Video footage shows the statue slowly tilting forward before crashing into the store’s empty parking lot.
The storm struck in the afternoon after Brazil’s civil defense agency, Defesa Civil, issued alerts warning of strong winds, heavy rain, and potential structural hazards. Wind speeds in Guaíba were estimated at between 80 and 90 km/h at the time of the collapse.
An 11-meter concrete base remained intact, while the upper structure gave way under the force of the gusts.
Why was no one hurt
City officials say the outcome could have been much worse.
Guaíba Mayor Marcelo Maranata confirmed that the area around the statue had been cleared before it fell. Havan staff reportedly moved vehicles away and isolated the site as winds intensified.
In a statement, the company said safety protocols were followed immediately and debris removal began within hours. Store operations continued without interruption.
This quick response, combined with the timing of the storm, meant no injuries and no damage beyond the statue itself.
How severe was the weather across southern Brazil?
The storm that toppled the statue was part of a broader weather system affecting much of Rio Grande do Sul.
Conditions driving the storm
Meteorological agencies said the instability formed when extreme heat collided with a cold front, creating dense cloud cover and isolated but powerful gusts. Defesa Civil used a cell broadcast system that sent emergency alerts directly to phones, even those set to silent, urging residents to avoid open areas and watch for falling objects.
Elsewhere in the region:
- Hail was reported in Tio Hugo
- Roof damage occurred in Passo Fundo, Santa Cruz do Sul, and Vera Cruz
- Heavy rain caused localized flooding in Lajeado
Municipal teams responded by clearing debris, and authorities said there were no major service outages across the metropolitan area.
Why does Havan have Statue of Liberty replicas?
Havan, one of Brazil’s largest retail chains, is known for installing large replicas of the Statue of Liberty outside many of its stores nationwide. The statues serve as a recognizable brand symbol and are typically built with engineering certification and technical approval.
The company said the Guaíba replica met all required standards and had been part of the local landscape since the store opened five years ago.
Following the collapse, Havan announced an internal investigation to determine whether structural factors beyond the extreme wind contributed to the failure.
Have similar incidents happened before?
Yes. This is not the first time one of Havan’s replicas has been brought down by severe weather.
In 2021, another Statue of Liberty replica fell in Capão da Canoa during a cyclone that produced wind gusts of 70 to 80 km/h. That incident also caused only material damage and no injuries.
Afterward, the company sent engineering teams to inspect and repair affected installations. The Guaíba collapse is now prompting renewed scrutiny of how these tall structures perform under extreme weather conditions.
What officials and the company are saying
Mayor Maranata praised the rapid response and credited early warnings for avoiding casualties. Havan echoed that message, emphasizing cooperation with authorities and adherence to safety protocols.
The retailer said technical inspections are underway to identify the precise cause of the failure and assess whether design changes or reinforcements are needed at other locations.
Local officials have urged residents to remain cautious during high-wind events, particularly around tall structures, signage, and trees.
Why the video struck a chord online
Videos of the statue’s slow fall spread rapidly on Brazilian social media platforms under hashtags translating to “Havan Statue of Liberty falls.” Reactions ranged from relief that no one was hurt to ironic commentary about symbolism and extreme weather.
Experts note that such viral moments often highlight broader issues, including infrastructure resilience and the increasing frequency of severe weather events linked to climate patterns.
What this incident highlights
Beyond the spectacle, the collapse underscores a growing challenge for cities and businesses alike.
Key takeaways
- Extreme weather can overwhelm structures built to standard conditions
- Early warning systems can significantly reduce risk to people
- Tall decorative installations may require updated design assumptions as storms intensify
Officials say broader assessments are now underway to evaluate storm resilience across the region.
TL;DR
A powerful storm with winds exceeding 90 km/h knocked down a 24-meter Statue of Liberty replica outside a Havan store in Guaíba, Brazil. The dramatic collapse was caught on video, but no one was injured thanks to early warnings and quick action by staff. Authorities and the company are now reviewing the structure’s failure and assessing safety measures for similar installations.
