The Day the Mountain Awoke: Colombia's Deadly Volcanic Eruption
Forty years ago, on November 15, 1985, one of the most devastating volcanic eruptions in modern history unfolded in central Colombia. The Nevado del Ruiz volcano, after lying dormant for nearly four centuries, violently erupted, unleashing destruction that would claim approximately 21,000 lives and injure another 25,000 people.
Complete Destruction of Armero Town
According to Gustavo Esguerra, the Cundinamarca Provincial Governor, the town of Armero suffered catastrophic damage. In a telephone interview with Reuters, Esguerra revealed that 90 percent of Armero was destroyed when the 5,400-meter peak erupted. The town, with a population of 21,000, was completely buried under volcanic ash and debris.
Eyewitnesses who flew over the affected area described scenes of absolute devastation. They reported witnessing "fearsome" destruction as debris rumbled down the mountain slopes, engulfing everything in its path. The entire town disappeared beneath a thick layer of volcanic material, leaving little evidence of the community that once thrived there.
Political Changes in India Coincide with Tragedy
While Colombia grappled with this natural disaster, India witnessed significant political developments on the same day. In a surprise reshuffle, Vasantrao Patil, the former chief minister of Maharashtra, was appointed as the Governor of Rajasthan. The changes also affected the leadership in Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, and Delhi.
Shankar Dayal Sharma, who had been serving as Andhra Pradesh Governor, was transferred to Punjab, replacing Arjun Singh. Political observers noted that Arjun Singh was likely to be inducted into the Union Cabinet, with his replacement expected soon after the Punjab elections.
Other Notable Events of November 15, 1985
The day also saw Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran forced out of his residence due to flooding from the Adyar river. Flood waters entered his house in suburban Nandambakkam and submerged the road leading to the city. The CM and his wife had to board a boat to reach a car, which then transported them to a temporary headquarters established at Connemara Hotel.
Meanwhile, the nation remembered Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his 96th birth anniversary, celebrated as Children's Day. Various functions were organized across the country, including seminars recalling his contributions, exhibitions about his life and legacy, painting competitions, cultural programs, and carnivals for children.
The commemorations began with floral offerings at his samadhi, Shantivana, early in the morning. Among those who paid respects were his grandson Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and his family, President Zail Singh, Vice President Ramaswamy Venkataraman, and Lok Sabha Speaker Balram Jakhar.
Legacy of the 1985 Volcanic Disaster
The Nevado del Ruiz eruption remains one of the deadliest volcanic events of the 20th century. The tragedy highlighted the importance of early warning systems and disaster preparedness in volcanic regions worldwide. The massive loss of life, particularly in Armero, served as a grim reminder of nature's destructive power and the vulnerability of communities living near active volcanoes.
Four decades later, the memory of that fateful day continues to resonate, not only in Colombia but globally, as scientists and disaster management experts study the event to improve volcanic risk assessment and emergency response protocols.
