Basic Facts
Where is Nevado del Ruiz located?
Colombia
In what year did the most devastating eruption occur?
1985
What happens when lava melts ice on a volcano?
Lahars (mudflows) form
Is Nevado del Ruiz still active today?
Yes
What is the main danger from Nevado del Ruiz?
Lahars (mudflows)
To which mountain range does Nevado del Ruiz belong?
The Andes Mountains
What town was buried by lahars in 1985?
Armero
How fast did the 1985 lahars travel down the slopes?
About 60 km/h (37 mph)
What alert level is it currently under?
Yellow alert (Level III)
What should people do during an eruption?
Follow authorities’ instructions
What type of volcano is Nevado del Ruiz?
Stratovolcano
How many people were killed in the 1985 eruption?
Over 23,000
What was the main cause of the Armero tragedy?
People ignored warnings and the lahars buried the town
What national park is it part of?
Los Nevados National Natural Park
What should you use to receive alerts?
Radios
What is the approximate height of Nevado del Ruiz?
About 5,321 meters (17,457 feet)
What caused the deadly lahars during that eruption?
Melting glaciers mixed with ash and debris
Why is the 1985 eruption considered significant?
It’s Colombia’s deadliest natural disaster
Is hiking allowed on the summit?
No, it’s closed
What should you know before an eruption?
Escape routes and evacuation plans
What is the nickname often given to Nevado del Ruiz?
“El León Dormido” (The Sleeping Lion)
Name one earlier eruption before 1985.
1595, 1845, or 1916
What important lesson was learned after the 1985 tragedy?
The importance of warnings and disaster management
What are two benefits of the volcano?
Water resources, geothermal energy, and tourism
What organization helps with evacuation and alerts?
Civil Defense or local authorities