Human consequences
The agony of young Omayra Sánchez, trapped for three days, shocks the world.
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VolcanoArmero tragedy
23,000Deaths
Not quantifiedDisplaced / homeless
Not quantifiedEstimated cost
- About 23,000 deaths, three quarters of Armero’s population.
A moderate eruption of Nevado del Ruiz melts part of its glacier. Volcanic mudflows (lahars) rush down the valleys and engulf Armero during the night.
Consequences
Environmental consequences
The lahars travel more than 100 km down the valleys.
Economic consequences
A rich rice and cotton growing region is destroyed.
Political consequences
Volcanologists’ warnings had been ignored; in 1988 Colombia creates a national disaster prevention system.
Further reading
Similar disasters
- Lake Nyos disasterVolcano · Cameroon1986
- Eruption of Mount PinatuboVolcano · Philippines1991
- Eruption of Mount St. HelensVolcano · United States1980
- Eruption of Mount PeléeVolcano · France1902
In the rankings : The deadliest volcanic eruptions No. 4
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