Unhealed Wounds: Remembering the Armero Tragedy and Its Lasting Impact

The Armero tragedy of 1985, caused by the eruption of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano, resulted in devastating mud avalanches that claimed thousands of lives in Colombia, leaving lasting scars on the community.

On November 13, 1985, the eruption of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano triggered a catastrophic avalanche of mud, burying the town of Armero in Colombia and killing approximately 25,000 people.
The disaster in Armero highlighted the dangers of types of volcanic eruptions, as the sudden melting of snow led to destructive volcanic mudflows that overwhelmed the towns defenses.
In the aftermath, the Tolima Department faced immense challenges in recovery efforts, as the scale of loss and destruction left deep emotional and social wounds among the surviving people.

Por Qué Es Relevante

The Armero tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the catastrophic potential of volcanic eruptions and the importance of disaster preparedness, as communities worldwide continue to face similar geological threats.