esquiremag.ph/taalvolcano

For most, Taal Volcano’s eruption on January 12 arrived in the form of relentless dust, but its real effects are much more disastrous. In this series of images by photojournalist Jilson Tiu, the life and loss of people in the danger zone of the second most active volcano in the country are revealed.

A day after the eruption, Tiu, a stringer for the Associated Press and contributing photographer for Esquire Philippines, traveled to the municipalities of Talisay, Laurel, Agoncillo, and Taal as well as Taal Volcano Island “to document what is really happening, especially in the places that need help.”

What he found was people struggling with loss and also eager to return to their lives. “Most of them are really devastated, especially the people in Laurel. The houses and roads in the town of Buso-Buso were covered with mud from ashfall and heavy rain,” he says.

The photographer hopes these images will reach many people—especially those in power—so that more will be moved to help.