Eye of the Storm: A Glimpse into the Lives of Natural Disaster Survivors
Natural disasters can strike at any moment and leave behind a trail of destruction. From hurricanes to tornadoes, earthquakes to tsunamis, these events often result in loss of life, property damage, and displacement. However, what happens after the storm passes? What is life like for those who survive such horrific events?
Eye of the Storm is a project that aims to shed light on the lives of individuals who have experienced natural disasters firsthand. The initiative was founded by photographer Benjamin Von Wong and filmmaker Laura Francois in response to Hurricane Harvey, which devastated Houston back in 2017.
The project involves capturing portraits and stories from survivors across various communities affected by natural disasters. Through their lens, they hope to give voice to those who are often overlooked once media attention dies down.
One such story is that of Maria Martinez-Guzman from Puerto Rico. In September 2017, Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico with winds reaching up to 155 mph. The hurricane left behind a trail of destruction that resulted in an estimated $90 billion worth of damage and caused thousands of deaths.
Maria was one among many who lost everything during this catastrophic event. Her home was destroyed along with all her belongings. She had no choice but to flee her hometown with nothing but the clothes on her back.
In an interview with Eye Of The Storm team member Laura Francois, Maria shared how she coped with losing everything she owned: “It’s been challenging mentally because you lose your sense of security…But one day at a time we’re rebuilding what we lost.”
Another portrait featured as part of Eye Of The Storm showcases Tish Llaneza from Texas who survived Hurricane Harvey in August 2017. Tish lost both her home and business due to flooding caused by heavy rainfall during Hurricane Harvey.
Despite facing immense challenges post-Harvey, Tish’s positive attitude and resilience have helped her overcome the obstacles she faced. “I’m still alive, I’m grateful for that,” she said in an interview with Eye Of The Storm.
The Eye of the Storm project aims to not only document these stories but also raise awareness around natural disasters and their impact on communities. It encourages individuals to take action and support disaster relief efforts.
In a world where we are often inundated with news about natural disasters, it’s easy to forget about those who are left behind once the cameras stop rolling. However, projects like Eye of the Storm remind us that there is hope even in the darkest of moments and that human beings are capable of extraordinary resilience in times of adversity.