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A haunting photograph taken during the 1985 eruption of Nevado del Ruiz in Colombia captured the final moments of a young girl trapped after the disaster. However, the photographer did not attempt to rescue her, and his decision has sparked widespread debate.
The eruption of Nevado del Ruiz was Colombia’s deadliest natural disaster, claiming the lives of between 23,000 and 25,000 people. Pyroclastic flows triggered deadly mudslides that swept through the town of Armero, burying much of it under thick layers of debris and water.
Though it wasn’t a massive eruption, the heat from the volcano melted the glaciers that covered its peak, unleashing lahars—mudflows made of volcanic debris, rocks, and water. These flows ravaged the town at speeds of up to 30 mph, trapping countless people.
A Tragic Scene
Among the victims was a 13-year-old girl named Omayra Sánchez Garzón, who was left stuck under debris after her home was destroyed by the lahars. Omayra was submerged in neck-deep, muddy water and pinned beneath the body of an aunt. Volunteers and rescuers, including firefighters, tried desperately to free her, but the situation was dire.
Even after hours of effort, including attempts to move her deceased aunt, rescuers were unable to extricate Omayra. Red Cross workers requested a pump to lower the water level, but help did not arrive in time. There were even discussions about amputating her legs to free her, but the necessary medical equipment wasn’t available.
For over 60 hours, Omayra remained trapped in the cold, muddy water, enduring unimaginable pain and fear. Throughout this time, French photojournalist Frank Fournier was among those who stayed with her, documenting the heartbreaking scene.
The Photograph That Moved the World
On November 16, 1985, Fournier took a photograph that would become known as one of the most powerful and tragic images in history. The photo shows Omayra submerged up to her neck in water, with only her head and hands visible. Her eyes appear black, a result of the pressure on her legs and the cold water that caused her eyes to become bloodshot.
This image was later awarded the World Press Photo of the Year in 1986, but it also sparked a major controversy. Many criticized Fournier for not helping Omayra, accusing him of exploiting her suffering for the sake of his job. Some even called him a “vulture” for photographing her in such a vulnerable state.
Fournier Explains His Decision
In an interview with the BBC, Fournier explained his decision not to intervene. “I felt totally powerless in front of this little girl,” he said. “She was facing death with such courage and dignity. I could see that her life was slipping away.”
Fournier went on to explain that he believed his role as a photojournalist was to capture the truth of what was happening, no matter how painful. “The only thing I could do was to report on the courage, the suffering, and the dignity of this little girl,” he said. “I hoped it would move people to act and help others who were still alive.”
A Heartbreaking Loss
Sadly, Omayra Sánchez Garzón passed away on November 16, 1985, after being trapped for 60 hours. It’s believed she died from either gangrene or hypothermia. Fournier’s photograph became a symbol of the disaster’s human cost and was shared around the world, deeply affecting those who saw it.
While Fournier’s photograph brought attention to the tragedy, it also left many wondering why more could not have been done to save Omayra. Fournier himself acknowledges that he felt powerless, but believes that reporting her story was the only way to honor her bravery in her final hours.
A Photo that Stirred the World
Fournier’s photograph remains an iconic and heartbreaking reminder of the human toll of natural disasters. It’s a poignant story of resilience and a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of inaction in the face of disaster.
