A 24-meter-tall Statue of Liberty replica in Guaiba, Brazil, met a dramatic fate this week after being knocked down by powerful winds during a storm 🌪️. Installed in 2020 as a promotional landmark for retail chain Havan, the statue’s collapse on Monday left locals stunned—but thankfully, no injuries were reported.
💡 Why it matters: The incident highlights how extreme weather events are reshaping urban landscapes globally. While the statue was a quirky nod to New York’s iconic monument, its fall has sparked memes and conversations online about climate resilience.
Local authorities confirmed the structure wasn’t built to withstand such intense winds, raising questions about safety standards for promotional installations. Havan, known for its flashy marketing stunts, hasn’t yet announced plans to rebuild the replica.
Guaiba’s mayor called it a 'wake-up call' for cities to prepare for unpredictable weather. Meanwhile, travelers are snapping pics of the toppled statue, turning it into an accidental tourist attraction 🚩.
📌 Fun fact: Brazil isn’t the only country with a Liberty replica—over 200 smaller versions exist worldwide, from Las Vegas to Tokyo!
