Armero Tragedy Caused by Volcanic Eruption

The Armero tragedy is one of the deadliest volcanic disasters in history, occurring in Colombia due to the eruption of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano. This eruption triggered a massive lahar, a destructive mudflow composed of volcanic ash and debris mixed with water, which swept down the slopes of the volcano. The town of Armero, located in the vicinity, was particularly vulnerable due to its geographical position and the heavy rainfall that preceded the eruption. The lahar struck the town with little warning, burying it under several meters of mud and debris. The rapid onset of the disaster left residents with little time to evacuate, leading to a catastrophic loss of life, with estimates of the death toll reaching approximately 23,000 individuals. This event highlighted the dangers posed by volcanic activity, especially in populated areas, and underscored the need for improved monitoring and disaster preparedness in regions at risk of such natural hazards.