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Sri Lankan performer GK Reginold rides in a small craft through Colombo's suburbs, aiming to bring food and water to those in desperate need.

Many families, Mr Reginold says, have gone without help for days, isolated by the South Asian island nation's worst natural catastrophe in recent years.

The powerful storm lashed the country last week, bringing catastrophic floods and landslides that claimed the lives of more than 400 people, with hundreds missing and leveled 20,000 homes.

But the flooding has also inspired a surge in volunteerism, as people face what the president 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 affected by the disaster and a national emergency has been announced.

The military has sent helicopters for rescue operations, while humanitarian aid is flowing in from foreign governments and non-governmental organisations.

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

Activists Volunteer at Local Food Hub

In Colombo's Wijerama neighbourhood, individuals who protested in 2022 are now operating a makeshift kitchen that churns out meals.

The demonstrations from three years ago were fuelled by a spiralling economic crisis that caused lack of fuel, food and medicine. Widespread frustration erupted and led to a leadership shift. Now, that civic energy is being channelled toward cyclone relief.

"Some volunteers came after work, some took turns and some even used vacation time to be there," one organizer 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 "continuation" of his volunteer work in 2016, when heavy rains 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 Aid

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

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

Local businesses have launched donation drives, while media outlets have started an campaign to provide food and basic necessities like soap and toothbrushes.

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

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

Recently, opposition lawmakers staged a walkout 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 pick up the pieces after the floods.

"In the end, the satisfaction of helping someone else in a crisis makes that tiredness fade," the organizer wrote after putting in long hours at relief sites.

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