The Management of Volcano Emergencies: Nevado del Ruiz

Abstract

This chapter analyzes the circumstances and events that contributed to the loss of 23 000 lives in the 1985 Nevado del Ruiz catastrophe, providing useful guidelines for the management of future volcano emergencies. The presentation is organized into two principal sections. The first is a condensed chronicle of events and actions taken from November 1984 through to November 1985 that provides the background for the crucial events of November 13. In the second section, factors are evaluated that influenced the catastrophic outcome, and lessons are identified to avoid similar future occurrences.