Overview
- An eruption of Nevado del Ruiz on November 13, 1985 melted summit ice and unleashed lahars that obliterated Armero, killing an estimated 23,000–25,000 people.
- Fundación Armando Armero has logged reports on 580 missing children, believes at least 71 were adopted, and says four have been located alive through DNA matches.
- Colombia’s child-welfare agency (ICBF) reports receiving at least 170 minors after the disaster and has declassified its ‘red book’ records, now under restoration for digitization while courts’ adoption decisions are reviewed.
- The former town site remains in ruins with outdoor interpretation, marked landmarks, and memorials—including to 13-year-old Omayra Sánchez—developed by local groups and public institutions.
- Recent studies warn that another 10% loss of glacier ice at Nevado del Ruiz could produce lahars comparable in volume to 1985, underscoring ongoing monitoring and preparedness needs.