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Sri Lankan performer GK Reginold rides in a motorised fishing boat through flooded neighborhoods, aiming to bring food and water to those in desperate need.

Some of the families, Mr Reginold says, have not received aid for days, cut off by the South Asian island nation's worst natural catastrophe in memory.

Cyclone Ditwah struck the country last week, causing widespread destruction 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 national leaders has described as the "most challenging natural disaster" in its history.

"My primary motivation 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 affected by the disaster and a state of emergency has been declared.

The armed forces 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 long journey to recovery for Sri Lanka, which has seen its fair share of turmoil in recent years.

Community Organizers Volunteer at Local Food Hub

In Colombo's Wijerama neighbourhood, individuals who demonstrated in 2022 are now operating a community kitchen that produces food aid.

The demonstrations 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 political change. Now, that political activism is being directed toward cyclone relief.

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

The team have gathered hundreds of requests for help, shared them to authorities, and managed the distribution of food.

"Whatever we asked for, we got more than enough in response from the community," he notes.

Online Campaigns for Support

A wave of coordination is also happening online, where social media users have created a shared list to channel resources and volunteers.

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

Private companies have organized donation drives, while media outlets have started an effort 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 political differences" and "come together to rebuild the nation".

Critics have claimed authorities of ignoring forecasts, 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 feeling of togetherness as people begin the cleanup after the floods.

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

"Crises are not new to us. But, the compassion and capacity of our hearts is greater than the damage that occurs during a disaster."