World Map › Major Eruptions › Nevado del Ruiz 1985
Historic Eruption
1985 Eruption of Nevado del Ruiz
13 November 1985 · Stratovolcano · Colombia
On 13 November 1985, Nevado del Ruiz in Colombia erupted. The volcano rises to 5,279 m. Its Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) is 3 out of 8, that of a severe eruption ejecting more than 10 million m³ of material. It killed at least 23,080 people and injured 10,000. Most deaths were caused by lahars (volcanic mudflows). It is the 5th deadliest eruption recorded by NOAA.
- Date
- 13 November 1985
- Volcano
- Nevado del Ruiz
- Volcano Type
- Stratovolcano
- Elevation
- 5,279 m
- Country
- Colombia
- Explosivity Index (VEI)
- 3 out of 8
- Deaths
- 23,080
- Injuries
- 10,000
- Main Causes of Death
- Lahars
Other Significant Eruptions of Nevado del Ruiz
- 1845February 1845 Eruption · VEI 3 · Lahars1,000 deaths
- 1595March 1595 Eruption · VEI 4 · Lahars636 deaths
Sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Global Significant Volcanic Eruptions Database (doi:10.7289/V5JW8BSH) · Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program