Social Impacts of the 1985 Nevado del Ruiz Eruption (Colombia)

The eruption-triggered lahars killed ~25,000 (Armero), destroyed 5,000+ homes, and caused profound social trauma:

• Mass mortality & missing persons – collective grief.
• Displacement – survivors relocated; some migrated abroad.
• Economic ruin – agriculture/livestock wiped out; poverty spikes.
• Psychological scars – PTSD, depression, survivor guilt.
• Policy reforms – led to Colombia’s modern disaster-risk system (SNGRD).

The tragedy reshaped national emergency management.