That picture has given me sleepless nights! Those eyes have a painful story hidden in it. I came across this picture when I was surfing the net and then spent hours and days on knowing about this girl from some remote village in Columbia.
Omayra Sanchez, a 13 year old lived with her parents, her little brother and an aunt. On November 13, 1985 there was a volcanic eruption which killed more than 25000 people in Colombia. It is known as the “Armero tragedy”. Out of the thousands who had died, it was only this girl’s agony that shook the world and will continue to do so for centuries. Frank Fournier, a professional photographer had landed in the village Bogota on November 15th and traveled to Armero. He claimed to have been directed by a farmer towards Omayra who at the time was almost deserted since it was already three days that she was trapped. What he saw before him was a sight of anguish and pain which he named the photograph “The agony of Omayra Sanchez”.
It was at night that Omayra and her family was awakened by the noises of the mudflow. They all knew that they had to run to a higher ground to save themselves from the debris flowing after a volcano had erupted. It was during this time that Omayra had stopped to help her little brother and ended up trapped in the debris of her own house. She remained there for the next three days trapped upto her neck under mud, concrete and water. The paramedics team realized that her legs were bound in such a manner that the only solution would be to amputate it. But, even to begin that procedure they had to drain out the water and required pumps. The Red Cross workers had appealed to the Government for a pump, but their pleas went unanswered. It was after 2 days of struggle to save her that the rescuers finally gave up and spent the remaining time praying for her. Throughout these three days she remained brave. She sang, spoke about returning to her school and also agreed to be interviewed. By the third night, Omayra had begun to hallucinate. More than 60 hours after the exposure she succumbed to Gangrene and Hypothermia. She passed away only 2 hours after the arrival of the pump as requested by the “red cross workers”.
Television coverage of the disaster had introduced Omayra to the world when she was still alive. As the photograph did rounds in the newspapers and channels, it caused controversy because of the photographer’s decision to take the picture and somewhere also displayed the failure of the Columbian Government. The volcano Nevado del Ruiz is still active but has no towns located nearby. The city Armero no longer exists and has been turned into the memorial of the disaster. Omayrah’s father too passed away in the tragedy. Her Mother and Brother still live in Columbia.
I do not want to get into questioning the photographer for this picture. This was not horrifying as the one clicked by the Kevin Carter in 1993 in Sudan. I believe that if people like me, who weren't even born when this tragedy occurred, are aware of this incident, it is solely because of this picture. This is forever going to remain in my memory. It has almost become a culture for us to criticize any picture that has been taken. But, I believe that there are some instances unlike the one in Sudan where the photographer too cannot be of much help. It has helped highlight the irresponsibility of the Government. I agree that "A picture speaks a thousand words." But I guess this one tells a lot more.
May her soul rest in peace.
HPK!!!
