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Sri Lankan actor and musician GK Reginold rides in a small craft through Colombo's suburbs, hoping to deliver essential supplies to those in desperate need.

Many families, he explains, have not received aid for days, isolated by the South Asian island nation's worst natural catastrophe in memory.

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

But the flooding has also inspired a rise in volunteerism, as people 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," he shares. "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 declared.

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

But it will be a lengthy process 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 demonstrated in 2022 are now helping run a makeshift kitchen that churns out meals.

The demonstrations from three years ago were driven by a severe economic downturn that caused shortages of fuel, food and medicine. Widespread frustration exploded and led to political change. Now, that civic energy is being channelled toward disaster response.

"Some volunteers 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.

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

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

Online Initiatives for Support

A wave of coordination is also happening online, where social media users have created a public database to direct donations and volunteers.

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

Local businesses have organized donation drives, while media outlets have initiated an campaign to provide food and essential items like soap and toothbrushes.

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

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

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 unity as people begin the cleanup after the floods.

"Ultimately, the joy of helping someone else to save lives makes that tiredness fade," one volunteer 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 destruction that occurs during a disaster."