Chapter 1: The Volcanic Eruption and Its Aftermath

In 1985, the Nevado del Ruiz volcano in Colombia erupted after a dormant period of 69 years, leading to a catastrophic event that claimed the lives of over 23,000 people and devastated 14 villages. Among those severely affected was the small town of Armero, where numerous homes, roads, and bridges were obliterated, leaving only a handful of survivors.

One of the victims was thirteen-year-old Omayra Sanchez Garzon. After her home collapsed, she found herself trapped beneath the debris. For three grueling days, Omayra was unable to move, submerged in rising waters. Despite the dedicated efforts of rescue teams, her situation remained dire. A rescuer who braved the water discovered that she was wedged between stones and the bodies of others who had perished.

The rescuers managed to free her upper body, but fears of causing further injury prevented them from extricating her completely. Omayra was ensnared in a mix of concrete and mud, her legs pinned