The photo shows just part of Nevado del Ruiz – a huge, active volcano, circa 130 kilometres west of Bogotá.
My vantage point, on the morning of 6 March 2026 was circa 4,000 metres above sea level; the highest point on the volcano’s glaciated, low-dome-shaped top reaches more than 5,300 metres – a deal higher than Mont Blanc.
Nevado del Ruiz’s November 13,1985 eruption gave rise to several lahars which raced down valleys on the stratovolcano’s flanks.
A entire city was obliterated, and circa 23,000 people died – very quickly – in what became known as the Armero Tragedy.
Its was the highest lahar-related death toll in recorded human history.
This was the 20th century’s second-worst volcanic “disaster” of any kind; it is usually rated #4 on the list of all lethal volcanic eruptions, post-1500 AD.
Nevado del Ruiz is not simply “a lethal threat”; it also sustains life, including human life.
The well-vegetated portions of its high-altitude flanks have to be seen to be believed!
They are a prime example of a complex, strange and beautiful ecosystem which exists only in certain high altitude, wet, tropical South American locations.
This series’ next post will provide a glimpse thereof…
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