A photographer captured a harrowing image of a young girl trapped after a volcanic disaster but did not try to help her.
The eruption of Nevado del Ruiz in Colombia in 1985 was the worst natural disaster the country has ever seen, as the volcano had not erupted for 69 years.
Volcanological organizations had warned the government to evacuate the area after detecting volcanic activity two months earlier, however, their lack of response cost thousands of lives.
As pyroclastic flows descended the sides of the volcanos, it caused mudflow (called lahars) and landslides at 30 mph, as it picked up even more speed it engulfed the town of Armero.
Although it was not considered a large eruption, the heat melted the snow and ice from a glacier capping the volcano. As per Earth Magazine, it unleashed three lahars, a mixture of rock, volcanic debris, mud, and water.
However, a photographer who captured the final moments of one of the victims did nothing to help – and now, he’s explained his decision not to intervene.
This story has deeply moved the internet, with one commenter writing: “I’m in tears. I’ve never heard about this, and reading the comments is breaking my heart. I pray she is resting with the Lord, and I hope her last hours weren’t as painful as the beginning. Goodbye now, as I go and bawl my eyes out.”
A second commenter shared: “I too am devastated by this picture, it is very haunting. Since this was in 1985, couldn’t a helicopter team have reached her? These scenes are often shown in movies, but seeing them in real life is relentless.”
A third added: “I remember this so clearly. I was probably her age, following the news. Very tragic!”
The eruption of Nevado del Ruiz claimed the lives of 20,000 of the 29,000 residents in the town of Armero.
The disaster’s impact also spread to nearby towns, raising the death toll to between 23,000 and 25,000.
Relief workers were unable to reach Armero until 12 hours after the eruption, on November 13.
Tragically, 13-year-old Omayra Sánchez Garzón had been trapped under debris after the lahars destroyed her home, unable to escape.
Omayra was unable to move, trapped in a pool of muddy water that reached up to her neck.
Volunteers, hearing her cries for help, found the young girl pinned under the body of an aunt and trapped by a wall, according to The New York Times.
Firefighters, volunteers, and others from surrounding areas worked tirelessly to dig and free the 13-year-old.
They even attempted to move her deceased aunt, but her arms were reportedly tangled around Omayra’s legs.
Red Cross workers requested a pump from the government to help lower the water level in another bid to free her.
There were reports of discussions about amputating her legs, but it became clear that this wasn’t an option as they lacked the necessary medical resources.
Journalists, Red Cross workers, and volunteers remained by her side to offer comfort, and French photojournalist Frank Fournier was one of those who stayed with her.
He took a photograph of Omayra that soon spread around the world, becoming an iconic image of the disaster.
The photo, showing Omayra submerged in the muddy water with only her head and hands visible, went on to win Frank Fournier the World Press Photo of the Year in 1986.
In the heartbreaking image, Omayra’s wrist was tied to a piece of wood she had been clinging to in an effort to help herself.
Fournier shared with the BBC: “She had been there for almost three days. Dawn was just breaking, and the poor girl was in pain and very confused.”
He continued: “All around, hundreds of people were trapped. Rescuers had difficulty reaching them. I could hear people screaming for help, then silence—an eerie silence. It was very haunting.”
What makes Fournier’s photograph even more chilling is the sight of Omayra’s eyes, which appeared black. This was due to the pressure from her trapped legs and the cold water, which had caused her eyes to become severely bloodshot.
Many criticized the photographer for capturing and sharing the moment instead of helping Omayra in her final, agonizing moments.
In response to the backlash, Fournier said: “There was an outcry—debates on television about the role of photojournalists, and how much of a vulture they can be.
“But I felt the story was important for me to report, and I was glad there was some reaction; it would have been worse if people hadn’t cared.”
He continued: “I am very clear about what I do and how I do it. I try to approach my work with as much honesty and integrity as possible.”
Rescue efforts were severely hindered by the thick mud, which made it nearly impossible to help without becoming trapped.
Tragically, Omayra was unable to be saved. She passed away on November 16 after being trapped for 60 hours, likely from gangrene or hypothermia.
Fournier reflected: “When I took the pictures, I felt completely powerless in front of this little girl, who faced death with courage and dignity. She could sense her life was slipping away.
“I felt the only thing I could do was to report on her courage, suffering, and dignity, hoping it would mobilize people to help those who had been rescued.
“I felt I had to document what this little girl went through.”
