The Heartbreaking Story Behind the Iconic Photo of Omayra Sánchez

On November 13, 1985, Colombia experienced one of the deadliest natural disasters in its history when the Nevado del Ruiz volcano erupted after nearly seven decades of relative inactivity. Although the eruption itself was considered moderate by volcanic standards, its consequences were catastrophic.

The intense heat generated by the eruption rapidly melted the volcano’s snow and ice-covered summit, creating enormous volcanic mudflows known as lahars.