I shot this image while covering the Balochistan earthquake in November 2008. The old man is telling the tale of how it all started, and what it felt like to experience a natural disaster of such great magnitude. As he speaks, he looks towards the heavens, his eyes brimming with the horror.

For me, the image has deep symbolism, as it can substitute for any horror-striken face confronting a natural disaster, for example, the recent Haitian earthquake. We are all helpless during such events as they test our instincts for survival. - Arif Mahmood/ White Star The following reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Dawn Media Group.