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Local actor and musician GK Reginold navigates a motorised fishing boat through Colombo's suburbs, hoping to deliver food and water to those in urgent circumstances.

Many families, Mr Reginold says, have not received aid for days, isolated by the South Asian island nation's most severe weather disaster in memory.

Cyclone Ditwah struck the country last week, causing widespread destruction that killed more than 400 people, left hundreds unaccounted for and leveled 20,000 homes.

But the deluge 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 help them to have one meal," he shares. "And I was deeply gratified that I was able to do that."

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

The military has sent helicopters for rescue operations, while humanitarian aid is flowing in from international partners and non-governmental organisations.

But it will be a lengthy process to recovery for Sri Lanka, which has seen its share of difficulties in recent years.

Community Organizers Volunteer at Local Food Hub

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

The protests from three years ago were driven by a severe economic downturn that caused lack of fuel, food and medicine. Public anger exploded and led to political change. Now, that civic energy is being channelled toward disaster response.

"People came after work, some rotated shifts 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 considers the kitchen as an "continuation" of his community service in 2016, when heavy rains and floods affected hundreds across the country.

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

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

Online Campaigns for Aid

A wave of coordination is also happening on the internet, where netizens have created a shared list to channel resources and helpers.

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

Local businesses have organized donation drives, while local television channels have started 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 "come together to restore the nation".

Opposition politicians have claimed authorities of ignoring forecasts, which they say worsened the disaster's effects.

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

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

"Ultimately, the joy of helping someone else in a crisis makes that tiredness fade," the organizer wrote after working long hours at relief sites.

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