Photographer Posts Images of Family Members Displaced by Typhoon Haiyan

The devastating typhoon that hit the Philippines five days ago, killing thousands and displacing over 500,000 people, also separated countless families across the region. Power and phone lines are still down in much of the country, making it impossible for relatives to contact each other. One photographer is now trying to help survivors get word to their families and let them know they are alive. John Javellana from Manila is in Samar, one of the worst-hit provinces. He is posting heartbreaking images to his Facebook page, some with written details on the photo, and others with survivors holding a tablet with their names and a message. The hope is that someone will recognize the people in the photos and get word back to their relatives:

Hopefully these images can help connect residents to relatives who we are sure are desperately looking for answers.

Javellana has also been tweeting moving images showing what the area looks like now and how badly help is needed from around the world, including this sad photo of a young boy seeing his destroyed home:

If you would like information on how you can help Typhoon Haiyan victims in the Philippines, please visit our story on donating here.