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Local performer GK Reginold navigates a motorised fishing boat through Colombo's suburbs, aiming to deliver essential supplies to those in urgent circumstances.

Some of the families, Mr Reginold says, have gone without help for days, cut off by the country's most severe natural catastrophe in memory.

Cyclone Ditwah struck the country last week, bringing catastrophic floods and landslides that claimed the lives of more than 400 people, left hundreds missing and destroyed 20,000 homes.

But the deluge has also sparked a rise in volunteerism, as people 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 rescue operations, while relief assistance is flowing in from international partners and aid groups.

But it will be a lengthy process to rebuild for the nation, which has seen its fair share of turmoil in recent years.

Activists Volunteer at Local Food Hub

In Colombo's Wijerama neighbourhood, individuals who protested in 2022 are now operating a makeshift kitchen that churns out meals.

The demonstrations from three years ago were driven by a severe economic downturn that caused lack of fuel, food and medicine. Widespread frustration erupted and led to a leadership shift. Now, that political activism is being directed toward cyclone relief.

"Some volunteers came after work, some took turns and some even took leave to be there," one organizer states.

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

The organizer also views the kitchen as an "continuation" 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 more than enough in response from the community," he notes.

Online Initiatives for Aid

A flurry of activity is also happening online, where netizens have created a shared list to direct donations and helpers.

Another community-run website helps donors find shelters and see what is in highest demand in those areas.

Private companies have launched donation drives, while media outlets have initiated an effort to provide food and essential items like soap and toothbrushes.

Facing criticism over the handling of storm readiness, the president has urged citizens to "set aside all divisions" and "come together to rebuild the nation".

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

Recently, opposition lawmakers staged a walkout in parliament, claiming that the government was trying to limit debate on the disaster.

In affected communities, however, there remains a feeling of unity as people pick up the pieces after the floods.

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

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