Omayra, A Slow Death

Carol Guzy

Miami Herald

When the Columbian volcano Nevado del Ruiz erupted, it sent a tidal wave of mud, ashes and rocks smashing down on the town of Armero. It left an estimated 25,000 people dead, 22,000 homeless and more than 60,000 acres of farmland ruined. Workers try to rescue 13-year-old Omayra Sanchez from the mud and water she was buried in up to her neck. They battle to free her from collapsed concrete and the grip of an aunt who had drowned embracing the girl. The rescue effort failed, however, and after being trapped for 59 hours, Omayra died.

Carol Guzy, "Omayra, A Slow Death," in POYi Archive, Item #13631, http://archive.poy.org/items/show/13631 (accessed April 21, 2025).