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.
An 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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