Pablo Novak, 85, is the sole inhabitant of Epecuen, a desolated town 500 kilometers southwest of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The loneliest man —
Pablo Novak, 85, is the sole inhabitant of Epecuen, a desolated town 500 kilometers southwest of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Kamilia Lahrichi
After being buried under 33 feet of floodwater for about 25 years, Epecuen re-emerged in 2009. Novak points at the ruins of his primary school.
Epecuen, Argentina —
After being buried under 33 feet of floodwater for about 25 years, Epecuen re-emerged in 2009. Novak points at the ruins of his primary school.
Kamilia Lahrichi
It took 20 days for the town that was once home to 1,500 people to submerge underwater. That was 1985. Nearly 20 years later, Novak moved back to Epecuen, even though the village was still partially flooded. The water has since subsided, but the town remains deserted.
Lost town resurfaces —
It took 20 days for the town that was once home to 1,500 people to submerge underwater. That was 1985. Nearly 20 years later, Novak moved back to Epecuen, even though the village was still partially flooded. The water has since subsided, but the town remains deserted.
Kamilia Lahrichi
"I got back here to stay with my cattle. And I never left again," says Novak. He's now settled in a house some 500 meters away from Epecuen's center.
Returning to the past —
"I got back here to stay with my cattle. And I never left again," says Novak. He's now settled in a house some 500 meters away from Epecuen's center.
Kamilia Lahrichi
Novak prepares maté, a beverage infusion of bitter dried leaves. Though the caffeine-rich drink is traditionally shared with others, Novak says he's used to being alone in this ghost village.
Living alone —
Novak prepares maté, a beverage infusion of bitter dried leaves. Though the caffeine-rich drink is traditionally shared with others, Novak says he's used to being alone in this ghost village.
Kamilia Lahrichi
Novak was born in Epecuen and says he'll die there too. Flowers on the cemetery's graves contribute to the sparse colors found in the town.
Colors of the town —
Novak was born in Epecuen and says he'll die there too. Flowers on the cemetery's graves contribute to the sparse colors found in the town.
Kamilia Lahrichi
Pablo Novak's first job was selling eggs in the street. Now he spends his days in his small and dusty house or walking the streets of Epecuen empty-handed.
A different life —
Pablo Novak's first job was selling eggs in the street. Now he spends his days in his small and dusty house or walking the streets of Epecuen empty-handed.
Kamilia Lahrichi
Novak walks his dog or rides his bike every day. He considers it a ritual. "At my age, I simply enjoy life, by walking through the ruins of Epecuen," says Novak.
Daytime strolls —
Novak walks his dog or rides his bike every day. He considers it a ritual. "At my age, I simply enjoy life, by walking through the ruins of Epecuen," says Novak.
Kamilia Lahrichi
Color is hard to find in the bleached town, but pink flamingos add a touch of life to it. Permanent residents, the flamingos are usually found gathered about a kilometer away from the main city ruins.
Life in the town —
Color is hard to find in the bleached town, but pink flamingos add a touch of life to it. Permanent residents, the flamingos are usually found gathered about a kilometer away from the main city ruins.
Novak often reminisces about his youth by looking at pictures of the village before it flooded.
Reminders of the past —
Novak often reminisces about his youth by looking at pictures of the village before it flooded.
Kamilia Lahrichi