Photographer Of Tragic Little Girl Trapped In Volcanic Mudflow Explains Why He Didn’t Help Her

Bykimhangeditor

Jul 5, 2025 #hằng, #HHằng Nick 6

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Omayra Sánchez Garzón died after being trapped for days

About 20,000 of the 29,000 people living in the village of Armero died in the eruption of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano in Colombia, leaving the area in ruins.The town was eventually abandoned completely, and the death toll from the surrounding areas increased the death toll to 25,000.

The melting glaciers on the mountain produced a pyroclastic mudflow known as a “lahar,” which is one of the reasons why this volcanic eruption is believed to have been so devastating.More residents of Armero who had survived the first eruption are believed to have died as a result of three of these occurrences.

This is the picture Frank Fournier took of 13-year-old Omayra Sánchez Garzón.Wikimedia Commons/Frank Fournier

One of the most famous victims was 13-year-old Omayra Sánchez Garzón, who was trapped by debris and volcanic mud.

Despite many rescue attempts, they couldn’t save her, and she died after several days.Rescue attempts failed, and ultimately those who attempted to save her life could only comfort her in her last hours.

They covered her with a tyre to keep her floating while others gave her drinks and candies.She passed away from either gangrene or hypothermia on November 16, three days after the eruption, stating: “Mommy, I love you so much, Daddy I love you, brother I love you.”

Divers later found that the 13-year-old’s legs were trapped under her house’s roof, with her deceased aunt’s arms clutching them.She gained widespread attention due to a photograph taken by Frank Fournier, which showed her with bloodshot eyes that appeared black.

Fournier’s image circulated globally, and he noted that the girl faced death with remarkable courage and dignity.He recalled that she began to hallucinate and asked him to take her to school, fearing she would be late.

The Nevado del Ruiz volcano killed thousands in Colombia when it erupted in 1985.Getty Images

Later, the photographer recalled, he was asked the following questions by various people: “Why didn’t you help her? Why didn’t you get her out?”

He told the BBC that it was “impossible” to rescue the girl, explaining: “There was an outcry – debates on television on the nature of the photojournalist, how much he or she is a vulture.””But I felt the story was important for me to report and I was happier that there was some reaction; it would have been worse if people had not cared about it.”

“I am very clear about what I do and how I do it, and I try to do my job with as much honesty and integrity as possible.””I believe the photo helped raise money from around the world in aid and helped highlight the irresponsibility and lack of courage of the country’s leaders.”

“There was an obvious lack of leadership. There were no evacuation plans, yet scientists had foreseen the catastrophic extent of the volcano’s eruption.””People still find the picture disturbing. This highlights the lasting power of this little girl. I was lucky that I could act as a bridge to link people with her. It’s the magic of the thing.”

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By kimhangeditor

Humor meets comics

Photographer Of Tragic Little Girl Trapped In Volcanic Mudflow Explains Why He Didn’t Help Her

Bykimhangeditor

By kimhangeditor

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