The photographer who took a photo of a girl shortly before her death has explained why he did not save her.

In 1985, the Nevado del Ruiz volcano erupted in Armero, Colombia, causing a tragic natural disaster.

In the South American region, 20,000 people were killed as volcanic lava and ice flowed into river valleys and invaded their villages.

Among the fatalities was 13-year-old Omayra Sánchez Garzón, who became stuck in the rubble of a landslide and died 60 hours later.

There were numerous attempts to save the young girl, but each one was unsuccessful.

Omayra Sánchez Garzón became the face of the disaster in 1985. (Wikimedia Commons)

According to The Sun, her legs were trapped under a door and her late aunt’s arms were tightly gripping her legs and feet, making it very difficult for her to move.

Every time a rescue team tried to pull her out, more mud accumulated and there were fears that she would drown if they let go.

To keep her afloat all those hours, they put a hoop around her and gave her sweets.

A famous photograph of Omayra was taken by a photojournalist who was demonized in the press after the picture was published.

People asked why he did nothing to save the girl but instead took a photo of her in her final hours.

The Nevado del Ruiz volcano in Colombia. (Photo by JOAQUIN SARMIENTO/AFP via Getty Images)

In an interview with the BBC in 2005, French photographer Frank Fournier, who took the infamous image, spoke about the reasons behind his controversial decision.

Fournier said saving Omayra was an “impossible” task.

He said: “There was an outcry – there was a debate on television about the nature of the photojournalist, to what extent he or she was a vulture.”

“But I felt it was important for me to cover the story and I was glad there was a response. It would have been worse if people hadn’t been interested.

“I am very open about what I do and how I do it, and I try to do my work with as much honesty and integrity as possible.

“There was an obvious lack of leadership.

“There were no evacuation plans, but scientists had predicted the catastrophic extent of the volcanic eruption.

“People still find the image disturbing.”

He also pointed out that the image helped raise funds for relief efforts around the world.