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Sri Lankan performer GK Reginold rides in a motorised fishing boat through flooded neighborhoods, hoping to deliver food and water to those in desperate need.

Some of the families, Mr Reginold says, have gone without help for days, cut off by the country's worst natural catastrophe in recent years.

The powerful storm struck the country last week, causing catastrophic floods and landslides that killed more than 400 people, with hundreds missing and leveled 20,000 homes.

But the flooding has also inspired a surge in community help, as citizens face what the president has described as the "gravest natural disaster" in its history.

"My primary motivation for getting involved, is to at least help them to have 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 national emergency has been announced.

The military has sent helicopters for search and rescue, while humanitarian aid is arriving from international partners and aid groups.

But it will be a lengthy process to recovery for the nation, which has seen its 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 churns out food aid.

The protests from three years ago were driven by a spiralling economic crisis that caused lack of fuel, food and medicine. Public anger erupted and led to a leadership shift. Now, that civic energy is being directed toward cyclone relief.

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

Volunteers have gathered hundreds of requests for help, sent the information to authorities, and organized the delivery of food.

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

Digital Initiatives for Support

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

Another volunteer-backed website helps donors find relief camps and see what is in highest demand in those areas.

Private companies have launched donation drives, while local television channels have started an campaign to provide food and basic necessities like soap and toothbrushes.

Amid criticism over the management of preparations, the president has urged citizens to "set aside all divisions" and "come together to restore the nation".

Critics have accused authorities of ignoring forecasts, which they say worsened the disaster's effects.

Recently, opposition lawmakers staged a walkout in parliament, claiming that the government was trying to limit debate on the disaster.

In affected communities, however, there remains a feeling 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," one volunteer wrote after putting in 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."