Earlier this week, on Monday, Dec. 15, powerful gusts swept through GuaĂba in southern Brazil 🌪️, knocking over a 24-meter Statue of Liberty replica. The towering landmark, set up by retail chain Havan in 2020, came crashing down amid the storm’s peak winds—though luckily, no one was hurt!
At almost 8 stories tall, this replica was a popular backdrop for photos—think big Instaworthy vibes 📸. Its collapse highlights how extreme weather can impact even the sturdiest structures. It’s a wake-up call about our planet’s shifting climate patterns, which have been fueling stronger storms from South Asia’s monsoons to Southeast Asia’s typhoons.
Locals in GuaĂba are already discussing cleanup plans, and Havan has said it’s assessing the damage. Meanwhile, the event is sparking global conversations about building resilience—whether it’s designing windproof homes in Mumbai or planning safer waterfronts in Ho Chi Minh City.
As we move into the end of 2025, this incident reminds us that adapting to weather extremes is essential. From smart tech solutions like early-warning apps to green infrastructure, communities worldwide are on the frontlines of climate resilience. Stay tuned for more stories on how young changemakers in South and Southeast Asia are tackling these challenges! 💪🌍
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
