Who is Omayra Sanchez?
She is Omayra Sanchez.A 13-year-old victim of volcano Nevado del Ruiz's eruption in November 13,1985, that devasted the Armero village, in Colombia.This photo which shocked the world was taken by Frank Fournier hours before her death in 1985 .And Frank Fournier was awarded the 1986 World Press Photo Premier Award for this picture.
Omayra was trapped for three days under the mud ,debris and water that was left from her own house. When the paramedics with limited resources tried to help her, they sadly realized there was nothing they could do, since to remove her from the deadly trap they would have to amputate her legs and the lack of a speacilist on the scene would result in her death.
Red Cross rescue workers repeatedly appealed to the Columbian government for a pump to lower the water level and for other help to free Omayra.Their pleas were not answered.Rescuers finally gave up appealing and spent their remaining time with her, comforting her and praying with her. According to the paramedics and journalists that surrounded her, brave Omayra was strong until the last minute of her life. Throughout 60 hours of agony, she sang, talked about going back to school, her studies and her family and friends. At the very end ,Omayra succumbed to gangrene and hypothermia.
With November just around the corner , I would like to remember this brave girl and R.I.P..............Omayra!
Posts
