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

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

The powerful storm struck the country last week, bringing widespread destruction that killed more than 400 people, left hundreds missing and destroyed 20,000 homes.

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

"The main reason 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 affected by the disaster and a national emergency has been announced.

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

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

Community Organizers Volunteer at Local Food Hub

In a Colombo suburb, individuals who protested in 2022 are now helping run a makeshift 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 exploded and led to a leadership shift. Now, that political activism is being directed toward disaster response.

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

"We mobilized our network as soon as we heard what was happening last Thursday," he says.

The organizer also views the kitchen as an "continuation" of his volunteer work in 2016, when torrential rain and floods affected hundreds across the country.

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

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

Online Campaigns for Support

A flurry of activity is also happening on the internet, where netizens have created a public database to direct donations and helpers.

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

Local businesses have launched fundraising efforts, while media outlets have started an effort to provide food and basic necessities like soap and toothbrushes.

Facing criticism over the management of storm readiness, the president has urged citizens to "put aside all political differences" and "come together to rebuild the nation".

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

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 unity as people pick up the pieces after the floods.

"Ultimately, the satisfaction of helping someone else in a crisis makes that exhaustion fade," the organizer 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."