What Remains - The Penero Family

I began my project "What Remains" while living with a family in this area that was affected by typhoon Yolanda. The project will continue to be developed as the residents of these islands regain their economic and emotional stability. Typhoon Haiyan (known as Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines) devastated the Visayas Region, specifically Leyte and Samar Islands, on November 8, 2013. As of January 2014, the rebuilding and relief efforts are slowly progressing in this region. However, the devastation was so severe that, as I write this, debris is still being cleared and recovery is only in its most early stages. The loss of life is far more than has been officially reported, as bodies are still being found in areas that are just beginning to be cleaned up, as well as at the dump sites where the debris is being taken. While walking on the beach in areas where the storm surge had its greatest impact, I observed many human skeletal remains. Recently, makeshift schools provided and funded by international aid groups are now opening. Evacuees and orphaned children are being cared for by relatives, friends, and aid groups. These families are living in temporary shelters in public areas while more permanent structures are being erected.

Gloriann Liu has been a photographer for over twenty years. She received her Bachelorâ??s Degree in Art from Wichita State University and subsequently attended the Art Institute of Kansas City. She taught Art and Photography in Kansas City, Missouri for twenty years. Now residing in San Luis Obispo, California, she is applying her efforts toward increasing awareness of social issues facing our global community. To this end, she is working with several nongovernmental organizations with activities in the Middle- East and Central Asia.