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Armero, 40 Years Later: Colombia Marks Loss as Nevado del Ruiz Risk Persists

Poor risk communication preceded the 1985 disaster that killed an estimated 23,000 to 25,000 people.

Overview

  • On the anniversary, local foundations and public institutions are promoting memorial tourism with new interpretation sites, outdoor exhibits and signage across the ruins.
  • Scientists cited in the coverage warn that roughly 10% additional glacier melt could generate lahars comparable in volume to those of 1985.
  • Armero sat about 48 kilometers from Nevado del Ruiz on terrain shaped by past mudflows that raced down river channels.
  • An October 1985 hazard map identified the town as at risk but did not lead to a large-scale evacuation.
  • The story of 13-year-old Omayra Sánchez remains a powerful symbol of the tragedy, and her memorial draws regular visitors.