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Sri Lankan performer GK Reginold rides in a small craft through Colombo's suburbs, aiming to deliver food and water to those in desperate need.

Some of the families, he explains, have not received aid for days, cut off by the South Asian island nation's worst natural catastrophe in recent years.

The powerful storm struck the country last week, bringing catastrophic floods and landslides that killed more than 400 people, left hundreds missing and destroyed 20,000 homes.

But the flooding has also sparked a rise in volunteerism, as people face what the president has described as the "gravest natural disaster" in its history.

"The main reason for getting involved, is to at least ensure they get one meal," Mr Reginold states. "And I was deeply gratified that I was able to do that."

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

The military has deployed helicopters for rescue operations, while relief assistance is arriving from international partners and aid groups.

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

Community Organizers Volunteer at Community Kitchen

In a Colombo suburb, activists who protested in 2022 are now operating a makeshift kitchen that churns out food aid.

The demonstrations from three years ago were driven by a severe economic downturn that caused shortages 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 took turns and some even took leave to be there," a social media activist states.

"We mobilized our network as soon as we heard what was happening last Thursday," he says.

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

Volunteers have gathered hundreds of requests for help, shared them to authorities, and organized the delivery of food.

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

Digital Campaigns for Support

A wave of coordination is also happening online, where social media users have created a shared list to direct donations and helpers.

Another community-run website helps donors find relief camps and identify what is in highest demand in those areas.

Private companies have organized fundraising efforts, while media outlets have initiated an campaign to provide food and essential items like soap and toothbrushes.

Facing criticism over the handling of preparations, the president has urged citizens to "set aside all divisions" and "unite to rebuild the nation".

Critics have accused authorities of ignoring forecasts, which they say exacerbated the disaster's impact.

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

In affected communities, however, there remains a feeling of unity as people begin the cleanup after the floods.

"Ultimately, the satisfaction of helping someone else to save lives makes that exhaustion fade," the organizer wrote after working long hours at aid centers.

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