Man digging to find Megapode birds eggs in Tavurvur Volcano sands, Rabaul, New Britain Island, Papua New Guinea. (Eric Lafforgue/Caters News)

From the ashes of three simultaneous volcanic eruptions, a community of survivors has risen to forage in the cinders for a new life. These haunting portraits by Eric Lafforgue, a French photographer, document a city, its residents and the danger of living in the shadow of still-active volcanoes.

The volcanoes Tavurvur, Vulcan and Rabalankaia wreaked havoc on Rabaul, Papua New Guinea. Despite the catastrophic damage done to the city, only 5 people were killed during the eruption and nearly 50,000 people were evacuated from the island, according to Oregon State University.

The 1994 eruption brought rains that "soaked the thick ash that [had] fallen on buildings, and the combined weight [had] collapsed an estimated 80 precent of the buildings in Rabaul," the USGS reported.

Those who chose to stay though have rebuilt their lives, digging up whatever opportunities they can in the shadow of another potential eruption.

"The volcano is also a good opportunity for locals to gain revenue," Lafforgue told Caters News. "The Megapode birds live and nest at the base of Mount Tavurvur."

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Megapodes are widespread throughout the Australasian region and thrive in areas with volcanic activity, which they use a heat source for incubation by burying their eggs below the thick layer of ash, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

"The Megapode egg serves as a primary source of food and income in Rabaul," said Lafforgue. "Each day, men travel to the nesting grounds to gather the eggs. Each individual egg is priced at 2 Kina, which is just under $1 so it is a good business."

Prior to the volcanic eruption the city was a popular tourist destination.

The cities tourism industry was literally covered in ash. Only one hotel, the Rabaul Hotel that reopened in 2005 now operates in the city. It has a view of the three volcanoes surrounding it but on most days wind brings ash through the city and blocks the view.

"Even though the area is a tourist attraction, the danger must not been forgotten," Lafforgue warns. "Acute exposure to the ash can cause asthma or chronic bronchitis, so most people wear a protective mask."