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

Many families, he explains, have gone without help for days, isolated by the South Asian island nation's most severe natural catastrophe in recent years.

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

But the flooding has also inspired a rise in community help, as citizens face what national leaders has described as the "most challenging natural disaster" in its history.

"The main reason for getting involved, 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 impacted by the disaster and a state of emergency has been announced.

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

But it will be a long journey to rebuild for Sri Lanka, which has seen its fair share of turmoil in recent years.

Community Organizers Pitch In at Local Food Hub

In Colombo's Wijerama neighbourhood, individuals who protested in 2022 are now helping run a community kitchen that produces meals.

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 a leadership shift. Now, that political activism is being channelled toward cyclone relief.

"Some volunteers came after work, some took turns and some even used vacation time to be there," a social media activist 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 "extension" of his volunteer work in 2016, when torrential rain and floods killed hundreds across the country.

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

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

Digital Campaigns for Support

A wave of coordination is also happening on the internet, where netizens have created a shared list to direct donations and volunteers.

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

Local businesses have launched fundraising efforts, while media outlets have initiated an campaign to provide food and essential items like soap and toothbrushes.

Amid criticism over the management of storm readiness, the president has urged citizens to "set aside all political differences" and "come together to rebuild the nation".

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

Recently, opposition lawmakers protested in parliament, claiming that the ruling party 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," one volunteer wrote after putting in long hours at aid centers.

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