The Nevado del Ruiz volcano, towering at 17,500 feet above sea level, had been showing signs of activity since the 1840s. By September 1985, the tremors had become more frequent and alarming, yet the authorities reassured the residents of Armero that there was no imminent danger. This false sense of security proved fatal when, on November 13, 1985, the volcano erupted violently.
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The eruption melted the ice cap atop the Arenas Crater, releasing a massive lahar—a deadly combination of water, ash, and volcanic debris. The mudflow raced down the mountainside at approximately 25 mph, reaching Armero in minutes. The town was swiftly buried under thick sludge, covering 85% of its area and trapping thousands of residents in their homes, including Omayra Sánchez.
Omayra Sánchez was at home with her family when the lahar struck, destroying their house and trapping her beneath the rubble. Neck-deep in mud and debris, Omayra found herself immobilized, with her legs pinned by the remains of her home. Rescue workers and journalists soon surrounded her, but despite their best efforts, they were unable to free her. The tools and equipment needed to safely extricate her without causing further injury or death were simply not available.
For three agonizing days, Omayra remained trapped, her condition worsening as time passed. Volunteers and Red Cross workers did everything they could to comfort her, but their efforts were hampered by the continuous rain, which raised the water level around her and made rescue attempts even more perilous. Divers who attempted to free her found that moving the debris risked causing fatal injuries.
As Omayra’s condition deteriorated, her bravery and composure captured the attention of the world. Photographer Frank Fournier arrived in Armero and documented her final hours, taking haunting photographs that would later win international acclaim. Despite her unimaginable suffering, Omayra spoke calmly to the volunteers and journalists, expressing concerns about missing school and her family’s well-being. As she began to hallucinate, she mentioned a math test she believed she needed to take.
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Omayra’s last words were filled with love for her family: “Mommy, I love you so much, Daddy, I love you, brother, I love you.” On November 16, 1985, after more than 60 hours trapped in the mudflow, Omayra died, likely from gangrene or hypothermia. Her death, captured on camera, sent shockwaves around the world, highlighting the human cost of the disaster and the failures of the rescue operation.
The images of Omayra’s final moments sparked global outrage and drew attention to the inadequacies of the Colombian government’s response to the disaster. Frank Fournier’s photographs, especially the one showing Omayra with blackened eyes and drenched in mud, won the 1986 World Press Photo of the Year. The images brought international focus to the tragedy, underlining the chaotic and under-resourced rescue efforts.
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The Colombian government faced severe criticism for its lack of preparedness and slow response to the volcanic threat. General Miguel Vega Uribe, the minister of defense, defended the government’s actions, citing the country’s underdeveloped status and limited resources. However, both the public and the international community remained unconvinced, calling for better disaster preparedness and more effective rescue operations in the future.
Tourist guide at the commemorative monument about the Armero tragedy caused by the Nevado del Ruiz in 1985. Image credit: Shutterstock
Today, the site of Armero is a haunting reminder of the tragedy. The town remains largely abandoned, with only ruins and a few memorials marking where it once stood. Each year, on November 13, a ceremony is held to commemorate the victims, with helicopters dropping flowers over the site. Omayra Sánchez’s grave has become a place of pilgrimage, where visitors leave trinkets and notes, honoring her as a symbol of courage and resilience.
Omayra’s story continues to resonate with people around the world. Survivors of the Armero tragedy, such as Alma Landinez and Olga Villalobos, share their experiences to ensure that the memory of the disaster and its victims endures. Omayra’s ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the devastating power of natural disasters and the importance of being prepared for such events.
Armero, Colombia – May, 2022: Symbolic tombs built in memory of deceased relatives after the Armero tragedy caused by the Nevado del Ruiz Volcano in 1985. Image Credit: Shutterstock
The story of Omayra Sánchez is a powerful testament to the human spirit’s resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. Her tragic death, and the circumstances surrounding it, highlighted the urgent need for better disaster preparedness and response. As we remember Omayra and the thousands of others who perished in the Armero disaster, we must commit to preventing such tragedies in the future through better planning, resources, and international cooperation.
