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Local performer GK Reginold rides in a small craft through Colombo's suburbs, hoping to bring food and water to those in urgent circumstances.

Many families, Mr Reginold says, have gone without help for days, cut off by the South Asian island nation's most severe natural catastrophe in memory.

Cyclone Ditwah struck 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 sparked a surge in community help, as citizens 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," Mr Reginold states. "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 armed forces has sent helicopters for rescue operations, while relief assistance is arriving from international partners and aid groups.

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

Community Organizers Pitch In at Local Food Hub

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

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 channelled toward cyclone relief.

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

"We reactivated the group as soon as we heard what was happening last Thursday," he says.

The organizer also considers the kitchen as an "extension" of his volunteer work in 2016, when heavy rains and floods affected hundreds across the country.

Volunteers have compiled hundreds of calls for assistance, shared them to authorities, and managed the delivery of food.

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

Online Initiatives for Support

A wave of coordination is also happening on the internet, where social media users have created a public database to direct donations and helpers.

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

Local businesses have launched donation drives, while local television channels have initiated an campaign to provide food and basic necessities like soap and toothbrushes.

Amid criticism over the management of storm readiness, the president has urged citizens to "put aside all political differences" and "unite to restore the nation".

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

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

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

"Ultimately, the satisfaction of helping someone else to save lives makes that tiredness fade," the organizer wrote after working long hours at relief sites.

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