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Local performer GK Reginold rides in a small craft through Colombo's suburbs, hoping to bring essential supplies to those in urgent circumstances.

Some of the families, he explains, have gone without help for days, isolated by the South Asian island nation's worst natural catastrophe in memory.

The powerful storm lashed the country last week, bringing widespread destruction that claimed the lives of more than 400 people, left hundreds unaccounted for and leveled 20,000 homes.

But the deluge has also inspired a surge in volunteerism, as people face what national leaders 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 deeply gratified 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 foreign governments and aid groups.

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

Community Organizers Volunteer at Community Kitchen

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

The protests from three years ago were fuelled by a severe economic downturn that caused shortages of fuel, food and medicine. Widespread frustration exploded and led to a leadership shift. Now, that political activism is being channelled toward cyclone relief.

"People came after work, some rotated shifts and some even used vacation time to be there," one organizer 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 "continuation" of his community service in 2016, when torrential rain and floods affected hundreds across the country.

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

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

Online Campaigns for Support

A flurry of activity is also happening online, where social media users have created a public database to channel resources and volunteers.

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

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

Amid criticism over the handling of preparations, the president has urged citizens to "put aside all political differences" and "come together to rebuild the nation".

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

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 togetherness as people begin the cleanup after the floods.

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

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