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Local performer GK Reginold navigates a small craft through flooded neighborhoods, hoping to deliver food and water to those in desperate need.

Many families, he explains, have gone without help for days, isolated by the country's worst natural catastrophe in memory.

The powerful storm struck the country last week, causing catastrophic floods and landslides that claimed the lives of more than 400 people, left hundreds unaccounted for and destroyed 20,000 homes.

But the deluge has also sparked a rise in volunteerism, as citizens face what the president has described as the "most challenging natural disaster" in its history.

"My primary motivation why I wanted to do this, is to at least ensure they get one meal," he shares. "And I was so happy that I was able to do that."

More than one million people have been affected by the disaster and a national emergency has been declared.

The military has sent helicopters for search and rescue, while relief assistance is flowing in from international partners and non-governmental organisations.

But it will be a long journey to recovery for the nation, which has seen its share of difficulties in recent years.

Community Organizers Pitch In at Local Food Hub

In a Colombo suburb, individuals who protested in 2022 are now helping run a community kitchen that churns out food aid.

The protests from three years ago were fuelled by a severe economic downturn that caused lack of fuel, food and medicine. Public anger exploded and led to political change. Now, that political activism is being channelled toward cyclone relief.

"Some volunteers came after work, some rotated shifts and some even took leave to be there," one organizer explains.

"We reactivated the group as soon as we heard what was happening last Thursday," he says.

The organizer also considers the kitchen as an "extension" of his volunteer work in 2016, when heavy rains and floods affected hundreds across the country.

Volunteers have compiled hundreds of calls for assistance, sent the information to authorities, and organized the distribution of food.

"Whatever we asked for, we got an overwhelming amount in response from the community," he notes.

Digital Initiatives for Aid

A flurry of activity is also happening on the internet, where netizens have created a public database to channel resources and volunteers.

Another volunteer-backed website helps supporters find relief camps and see what is in highest demand in those areas.

Private companies have launched donation drives, while local television channels have initiated an campaign to provide food and basic necessities like soap and toothbrushes.

Facing criticism over the management of preparations, the president has urged citizens to "put aside all divisions" and "unite to restore the nation".

Opposition politicians have claimed authorities of ignoring weather warnings, which they say worsened the disaster's impact.

Recently, opposition lawmakers protested in parliament, claiming that the government was trying to restrict debate on the disaster.

On the ground, however, there remains a sense of togetherness as people begin the cleanup after the floods.

"In the end, the joy of helping someone else to save lives makes that exhaustion fade," the organizer wrote after putting in long hours at aid centers.

"Crises are not new to us. But, the empathy and size of our hearts is greater than the destruction that occurs during a disaster."