The photographer responsible for the iconic and poignant image of a young girl trapped and dying after a volcanic eruption has shared what she asked him before her death.
This photograph dates back to the 1980s, following the eruption of Nevado del Ruiz in Colombia, which claimed approximately 20,000 lives.
The eruption did not only release lava; it also triggered landslides and mudslides, leaving a devastating mark on the surroundings.
Unfortunately, Omayra Sánchez Garzón, aged 13, was among those who perished when she became ensnared in the debris from the mudslide.
Despite efforts to rescue her, Omayra was unfortunately immobilized by ‘concrete and other debris from the collapsed houses’ from the waist down, making it impossible to liberate her.
Before her tragic demise, photographer Frank Fournier captured a photograph of Omayra.
This haunting image depicts Omayra with much of her body submerged in water.
Her eyes appeared darkened, and she looked extremely frail after spending days partially submerged.
The photograph gained global recognition.
Reflecting over three decades later on the tragic event, photographer Frank spoke about Omayra.
“For three nights and three days – stuck in a pool of sewage water at the bottom of a small hill, lay crushed under layers upon layers of fallen wall, a voice was to speak in the name of 28,000,” he said during a lecture at the 2022 Xposure International Photography Festival.
“It was a voice of an ordinary little girl who will cross land and time, and will bounce and pierce the heart of millions of people… A commanding dignity, a stunning courage and a relentless kindness during this oppressive and painful hour reveals more than ever the magnitude of every single individual.”
In the years since the disaster, Frank has shared the poignant question Omayra asked him before her passing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ini7X-BvbZ0
In a 2005 interview with the BBC, the photographer recounted: “When I took the pictures I felt totally powerless in front of this little girl, who was facing death with courage and dignity.”
“She could sense that her life was going.”
Frank further shared: “She even asked me if I could take her to school because she was worried that she would be late.”
Omayra passed away on November 16, 1985, and her death was attributed to gangrene or hypothermia.
To support Save the Children, an organization dedicated to helping children in disaster-stricken areas, you can visit their website to donate.