Deadly tornado takes the Czech Republic by storm - A rare occurrence with detrimental consequences

News analysis by Maria Wehbe, Featured Writer

On Thursday, June 24th, 2021, a rare and deadly tornado took the Czech Republic by storm, killing at least 6 people, leaving more than 150 others injured, sweeping through many villages and completely destroying them. Winds of at least 219 km/h, which is equivalent to 136 mph, were recorded and this tornado is said to be the strongest to strike Central Europe in Modern History. “The church is without the tower, the elementary school has no roof and insulation any more, only walls remained from what were houses”, said Prime Minister Andrej Babis. Until now, it is uncertain whether it was a single twister or several independent ones; regardless, some of the damage done is beyond repair.