A haunting photograph depicting the final moments of a young girl trapped after a catastrophic volcanic eruption continues to resonate with people decades later. The photographer, however, has shared why he could not intervene to save her.
The eruption of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano in Colombia in 1985 remains one of the nation’s deadliest disasters. The volcano had been dormant for 69 years before erupting, causing devastating loss of life and destruction.
Volcanologists had issued warnings about increased volcanic activity two months prior, urging the government to evacuate the area. Unfortunately, the lack of action led to a tragedy of enormous proportions.
As pyroclastic flows cascaded down the volcano’s slopes, they caused massive mudflows known as lahars. These destructive torrents, traveling at speeds of up to 30 mph, gathered momentum and obliterated the town of Armero. The eruption, though moderate in size, melted snow and ice from the volcano’s glacier, unleashing three deadly lahars. These flows, comprised of mud, volcanic debris, and water, claimed thousands of lives.
The Photograph That Stunned the World
Among the victims of the disaster was 13-year-old Omayra Sánchez Garzón, whose heartbreaking plight was immortalized in a photograph taken by French photojournalist Frank Fournier. Omayra was trapped in the debris of her destroyed home, her body pinned by the remains of a wall and her deceased aunt. Rescuers and volunteers worked tirelessly to free her but were ultimately unsuccessful.
For nearly 60 hours, Omayra remained submerged in neck-deep muddy water, her cries for help drawing the attention of volunteers, journalists, and rescue workers. Despite their best efforts, they lacked the equipment and resources to save her. Attempts to lower the water level with pumps were futile, and discussions of amputating her legs were dismissed as unfeasible.
Criticism and the Photographer’s Defense
Fournier’s photograph of Omayra became a symbol of the disaster, winning the 1986 World Press Photo of the Year award. The image, which showed the young girl submerged with only her head and hands visible, captured the raw reality of the tragedy. Her bloodshot eyes, a result of the physical trauma and freezing water, left an indelible impression on viewers.
However, Fournier faced harsh criticism for documenting the scene instead of aiding the girl. He addressed the backlash, saying, “When I took the pictures, I felt completely powerless in front of this little girl, who was facing death with courage and dignity. I couldn’t save her, but I believed it was my duty to show her story to the world.”
Fournier explained the overwhelming challenges of the situation: “There were hundreds of people trapped, and rescuers were struggling to reach them. The mud was so deep that even walking became impossible without sinking.”
A Tragic Ending
Omayra succumbed to her injuries and the harsh conditions on 16 November 1985, after being trapped for 60 hours. Her death was attributed to gangrene or hypothermia. The image of her final moments brought global attention to the disaster and its victims.
Fournier reflected on his role, saying, “I felt that the only thing I could do was to report honestly on the courage, suffering, and dignity of this little girl. My hope was that it would inspire action to help the survivors and prevent future tragedies.”
The eruption of Nevado del Ruiz claimed the lives of 20,000 residents in Armero, with the total death toll across neighboring areas reaching up to 25,000. Relief efforts were delayed, and it took 12 hours before aid could reach the devastated town.
The story of Omayra Sánchez and the photograph that captured her final hours continue to serve as a stark reminder of human resilience and the devastating consequences of inaction in the face of danger.