Colombia: 1985 Nevado del Ruiz Eruption

Introduction

The Nevado del Ruiz Volcanic Eruption, also known as the Armero Tragedy, is considered as Colombia’s worst natural hazard-induced disaster which produced the deadliest lahar ever recorded. After 69 years of dormancy, the stratovolcano in Tolima, Colombia erupted in 13 November 1985, melting the mountain’s glaciers and sending lahars down its slopes at 60 kilometers per hour.

The consequences of the eruption were catastrophic as populations in nearby towns were caught largely unaware and evacuation orders were not carried out in time. The disaster affected over 200,000 people and left about 24,000 dead and 10,000 homeless. As a result, the Armero tragedy was instrumental in influencing major institutional and legislative changes not only in Colombia but also in the Latin America and the Caribbean region.

Explore news and publications on the Nevado del Ruiz disaster below.