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Local actor and musician GK Reginold navigates a small craft through Colombo's suburbs, hoping to deliver food and water to those in desperate need.

Some of the families, he explains, have gone without help for days, isolated by the country's worst natural catastrophe in memory.

Cyclone Ditwah struck the country last week, causing widespread destruction that killed more than 400 people, with hundreds unaccounted for and leveled 20,000 homes.

But the flooding has also inspired a surge in community help, 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 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 declared.

The armed forces has sent helicopters for rescue operations, while humanitarian aid is arriving from international partners and aid groups.

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

Activists Volunteer at Community Kitchen

In a Colombo suburb, individuals who protested in 2022 are now operating a makeshift kitchen that churns out food aid.

The protests from three years ago were driven by a severe economic downturn that caused shortages of fuel, food and medicine. Public anger exploded and led to a leadership shift. Now, that civic energy is being channelled toward disaster response.

"Some volunteers came after work, some took turns and some even used vacation time 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 "extension" of his volunteer work in 2016, when heavy rains and floods killed hundreds across the country.

The team have gathered hundreds of calls for assistance, sent the information to authorities, and organized the delivery of food.

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

Online Campaigns for Support

A wave of coordination is also happening on the internet, where netizens have created a public database to direct donations and volunteers.

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

Private companies have organized fundraising efforts, while local television channels have started an effort to provide food and basic necessities 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".

Opposition politicians have accused authorities of disregarding weather warnings, which they say exacerbated the disaster's effects.

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

In affected communities, however, there remains a sense of togetherness as people pick up the pieces after the floods.

"In the end, the joy of helping someone else to save lives makes that tiredness fade," the organizer wrote after working long hours at aid centers.

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