The Eruption That Changed Everything
On November 13, 1985, the Nevado del Ruiz volcano in Colombia erupted, triggering a massive lahar that buried the town of Armero. More than 23,000 people lost their lives as the mudslide engulfed homes, roads, and buildings, leaving devastation in its wake.
A Young Girl in the Debris
Among the trapped was 13-year-old Omayra Sánchez, who became stuck in the ruins of her home. Her legs were pinned under collapsed structures, and rescuers struggled to free her. Despite continuous efforts, the rising water and mud made it impossible to remove the debris without causing further harm.
A Global Audience Watches
For three days, journalists and aid workers surrounded Omayra, documenting her ordeal. Her calm demeanor and courage in the face of danger drew international attention. Her final words reflected her exhaustion, as she told reporters she was worried about missing school.
Her Last Moments
After nearly 60 hours, Omayra succumbed to exhaustion and hypothermia. Her tragic story led to global discussions about disaster response and preparedness, as well as criticism of the government’s handling of the catastrophe.
On November 13, 1985, the Nevado del Ruiz volcano erupted, triggering a lahar that buried Armero, Colombia. Over 23,000 died as mud destroyed homes. Among them was 13-year-old Omayra Sánchez, trapped under debris with water rising around her, unable to escape.🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/jdELv53Q8h
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