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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.

Some of the families, Mr Reginold says, have not received aid for days, cut off by the country's most severe weather disaster in memory.

The powerful storm lashed the country last week, causing widespread destruction that killed more than 400 people, left 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 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 sent helicopters for rescue operations, while humanitarian aid is arriving from international partners and aid groups.

But it will be a lengthy process to rebuild for Sri Lanka, which has seen its fair share of turmoil in recent years.

Activists Volunteer at Local Food Hub

In a Colombo suburb, individuals who protested in 2022 are now helping run a community 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. Public anger exploded and led to political change. Now, that political activism 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 "extension" of his community service in 2016, when heavy rains and floods affected hundreds across the country.

Volunteers have gathered hundreds of requests for help, shared them to authorities, and organized the distribution of food.

"Every request we made, we got more than enough in response from the community," he notes.

Online Campaigns for Support

A flurry of activity is also happening on the internet, where netizens have created a shared list to channel resources and helpers.

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

Local businesses have launched fundraising efforts, while local television channels have started 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 "come together to restore the nation".

Opposition politicians have claimed authorities of ignoring forecasts, which they say worsened the disaster's impact.

Recently, opposition lawmakers staged a walkout in parliament, arguing that the ruling party was trying to limit debate on the disaster.

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

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

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