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Local actor and musician GK Reginold navigates a small craft through Colombo's suburbs, aiming to deliver essential supplies to those in urgent circumstances.

Some of the families, he explains, have not received aid for days, isolated by the country's worst natural catastrophe in memory.

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

But the flooding has also inspired a surge in community help, 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 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 national emergency has been declared.

The military has deployed helicopters for search and rescue, while relief assistance is flowing in from international partners and non-governmental organisations.

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

Activists Pitch In at Community Kitchen

In a Colombo suburb, individuals who protested in 2022 are now helping run a makeshift kitchen that churns out meals.

The demonstrations from three years ago were fuelled by a spiralling economic crisis that caused shortages of fuel, food and medicine. Public anger exploded and led to political change. Now, that civic energy is being directed toward disaster response.

"People came after work, some took turns and some even used vacation time to be there," one organizer explains.

"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.

The team have gathered hundreds of calls for assistance, sent the information 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 Initiatives for Aid

A flurry of activity is also happening online, where netizens have created a shared list to channel resources and volunteers.

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

Private companies have organized donation drives, while local television channels have initiated an campaign to provide food and essential items like soap and toothbrushes.

Facing criticism over the management of preparations, the president has urged citizens to "set aside all divisions" and "come together to restore the nation".

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

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

In affected communities, however, there remains a sense of togetherness as people pick up the pieces 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 aid centers.

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