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Local performer GK Reginold navigates a small craft through Colombo's suburbs, hoping to bring essential supplies to those in desperate need.

Many families, Mr Reginold says, have not received aid for days, isolated by the country's most severe natural catastrophe in recent years.

Cyclone Ditwah lashed the country last week, causing widespread destruction that killed more than 400 people, left hundreds missing and destroyed 20,000 homes.

But the deluge has also inspired a rise 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 ensure they get one meal," he shares. "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 military has deployed helicopters for rescue operations, while relief assistance is flowing in from international partners and non-governmental organisations.

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

Community Organizers Volunteer at Local Food Hub

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

The demonstrations from three years ago were driven by a spiralling economic crisis that caused lack of fuel, food and medicine. Widespread frustration erupted and led to political change. Now, that political activism is being directed toward cyclone relief.

"People came after work, some rotated shifts and some even took leave 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 considers the kitchen as an "continuation" of his community service in 2016, when heavy rains and floods killed hundreds across the country.

The team have gathered hundreds of calls for assistance, shared them to authorities, and managed the distribution of food.

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

Online Initiatives for Support

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

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

Private companies have launched donation drives, while media outlets have started 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 divisions" and "come together to restore the nation".

Critics have claimed authorities of disregarding weather warnings, which they say exacerbated the disaster's impact.

Recently, opposition lawmakers staged a walkout in parliament, arguing that the ruling party was trying to restrict 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 in a crisis makes that tiredness fade," one volunteer wrote after putting in long hours at aid centers.

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