The Czech Republic suffered its strongest storm in modern history on Thursday night, with the first tornado since 2018 ripping through villages, destroying houses, sending cars flying, and leaving at least five people dead.
Pope Francis mentioned the tragedy on June 27, after praying the midday Angelus:
I assure my closeness to the people of the southeast of the Czech Republic who have been struck by a severe tornado. I pray for the dead and the injured and for those who have had to leave their homes, which have been seriously damaged.
The storm struck around Hodonin, along the Slovak and Austrian borders. Wind speeds were estimated at over 200 mph.
The region is about 150 miles southeast of Prague.
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