On November 13, 1985, the Nevado del Ruiz volcano erupted in Colombia, setting off a disaster that nearly erased the town of Armero. The eruption triggered a lahar—a fast-moving mudslide formed by melted glacier ice—that engulfed the town and its 29,000 residents. Nearly 20,000 people perished, and the overall death toll from the disaster reached 25,000. The destruction was so severe that Armero was ultimately abandoned.
Scientists had warned of the volcano’s dangers, but the government failed to act in time. Many who could have been saved were instead trapped in the thick, deadly mud. One of the most heartbreaking cases was 13-year-old Omayra Sánchez, who was pinned under her collapsed home. She remained stuck for three days, surrounded by rising water and debris, as rescuers fought to free her.
French photographer Frank Fournier captured her final moments in a powerful and haunting image. His photograph, showing her bloodshot eyes and weary expression, spread worldwide. Despite her suffering, Omayra remained incredibly strong. Fournier later said, “She faced death with extraordinary courage.”
The photograph sparked intense debate. Many accused Fournier of being a bystander instead of helping her. Defending himself, he explained that rescuing her was impossible. “I couldn’t save her, but I could make sure the world saw what was happening,” he stated.
Omayra’s final words were a heartbreaking farewell to her family. On November 16, 1985, she passed away. Her death became a symbol of resilience and the cost of government inaction. Her photograph remains a haunting reminder of that tragic day.
