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Sri Lankan actor and musician GK Reginold navigates a motorised fishing boat through Colombo's suburbs, hoping to bring food and water to those in desperate need.

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

The powerful storm lashed the country last week, causing widespread destruction that claimed the lives of more than 400 people, with hundreds missing and destroyed 20,000 homes.

But the flooding has also inspired a surge in volunteerism, as people face what the president has described as the "gravest natural disaster" in its history.

"The main reason why I wanted to do this, is to at least ensure they get one meal," Mr Reginold states. "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 state of emergency has been announced.

The armed forces has deployed helicopters for rescue operations, while relief assistance is flowing in from foreign governments and non-governmental organisations.

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

Activists Pitch In at Community Kitchen

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

The protests from three years ago were driven by a spiralling economic crisis that caused shortages of fuel, food and medicine. Widespread frustration erupted and led to a leadership shift. Now, that political activism is being directed toward disaster response.

"People came after work, some took turns and some even took leave to be there," a social media activist explains.

"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 managed the delivery of food.

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

Online Initiatives for Support

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

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

Local businesses have launched donation drives, while media outlets have initiated an campaign 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 "unite to restore the nation".

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

Recently, opposition lawmakers protested in parliament, claiming that the ruling party was trying to limit debate on the disaster.

In affected communities, however, there remains a feeling of unity as people begin the cleanup after the floods.

"In the end, the joy of helping someone else to save lives makes that exhaustion fade," the organizer 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 destruction that occurs during a disaster."