Omayra Sanchez trapped in the Armero tragedy - photograph taken by Frank Fournier
(1986 World Press Photo award)
Omayra Sánchez (sometimes spelled Omaira Sanchez) was a 13-year-old victim of the 1985 eruption of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano, which erupted on November 13, 1985, in Armero, Colombia causing massive lahars
which killed nearly 25,000. Trapped for three days in water, concrete,
and other debris before she died, Omayra captured the attention of the
media as volunteer workers told of a girl they were unable to save.
Videos of her communicating with workers, smiling and making gestures to
video cameras circulated around the media. Her "courage and dignity"
touched Frank Fournier and many other relief workers who gathered around
her to pray and be with her.
After 60 hours of struggling, she died. Her death highlighted the
failure of officials to respond promptly to the threat of the volcano
and also the struggle for volunteer rescue workers to save trapped
victims who would otherwise be quickly saved and treated.
Sánchez became famous for a photograph of her taken by photojournalist Frank Fournier
shortly before she died. When published worldwide after the young
girl's death, the image caused controversy because of the photographer's
decision to take it and the Colombian government's inaction in not
working to prevent the Armero tragedy despite the forewarning that had
been available.
in Wikipédia
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