A deeply moving photograph of a young girl trapped in the aftermath of a volcanic disaster continues to evoke powerful emotions decades later, as the photographer behind the lens explains his controversial choice not to intervene.
In 1985, Colombia faced its deadliest natural disaster when Nevado del Ruiz erupted after 69 years of dormancy. The eruption triggered catastrophic mudflows and landslides, leaving behind a trail of unimaginable destruction.
Despite warnings from volcanologists months earlier, a lack of government response resulted in the deaths of thousands. Among these tragic losses was 13-year-old Omayra Sánchez Garzón, whose harrowing final hours were captured by French photojournalist Frank Fournier.
A Catastrophe Ignored and Its Deadly Toll
Nevado del Ruiz’s eruption might not have been massive in scale, but its devastating impact stemmed from the melting of a glacier atop the volcano. This unleashed three deadly lahars—fast-moving flows of volcanic debris, water, and mud—that descended at speeds of up to 30 mph, obliterating the town of Armero and affecting neighboring areas.
Warnings from experts went unheeded, and the town’s 29,000 residents had little chance to escape. By the time the disaster subsided, an estimated 23,000 to 25,000 lives had been lost, making it one of the most devastating eruptions in history. Relief workers could only reach the affected areas 12 hours after the tragedy, compounding the suffering of survivors and victims alike.
Omayra’s Final Hours
Amidst the chaos, 13-year-old Omayra Sánchez Garzón became a symbol of the disaster’s human toll. Trapped neck-deep in a muddy pool, she was pinned under the debris of her home, with the lifeless body of her aunt holding her legs immobile. Volunteers and rescue workers made desperate attempts to free her, even discussing the possibility of amputation. Tragically, without proper equipment or medical facilities, this option was ruled out.
Efforts to drain the water surrounding her were equally futile due to the lack of available pumps. Rescuers stayed by Omayra’s side, offering companionship in her final hours. Fournier, who was among them, captured her plight in a haunting photograph that would later become an iconic image of the disaster.
The Photograph That Shook the World
Fournier’s photograph of Omayra depicted her submerged in the murky water, clutching a piece of wood tied to her wrist. Her eyes, eerily blackened from bloodshot vessels caused by pressure and cold, told a story of unimaginable suffering and resilience.
The image, published globally, became a powerful representation of the disaster’s human cost, earning Fournier the World Press Photo of the Year in 1986. However, it also sparked controversy, with critics accusing him of exploiting the girl’s tragedy instead of aiding her.
A Photographer’s Defense
Fournier faced significant backlash, with debates arising over the ethics of photojournalism and whether he could have done more to help. Responding to the criticism, Fournier maintained that his role was to document the truth, stating:
“There was an outcry—debates on television on the nature of the photojournalist, how much he or she is a vulture. But I felt the story was important for me to report. I was happier that there was some reaction; it would have been worse if people had not cared about it.”
Fournier emphasized his sense of powerlessness, expressing that capturing Omayra’s courage and dignity in her final moments was the only contribution he could make to raise awareness and spur action for those who survived.
A Legacy of Courage and Tragedy
Omayra endured 60 hours trapped in the mud before succumbing to gangrene and hypothermia on November 16, 1985. Fournier’s photograph immortalized her bravery and suffering, drawing attention to the failings that allowed the tragedy to unfold.
Reflecting on the experience, Fournier said:
“When I took the pictures, I felt totally powerless in front of this little girl, who was facing death with courage and dignity. She could sense that her life was going. I felt that the only thing I could do was to report properly on the courage and the suffering and hope it would mobilize people.”
Omayra’s story remains a haunting reminder of human vulnerability in the face of nature’s wrath and the critical importance of preparedness in preventing future tragedies.