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Local actor and musician GK Reginold rides in a motorised fishing boat through flooded neighborhoods, aiming 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 most severe natural catastrophe in recent years.

The powerful storm struck the country last week, bringing catastrophic floods and landslides that claimed the lives of more than 400 people, left hundreds missing and leveled 20,000 homes.

But the flooding has also inspired a rise in volunteerism, as citizens face what national leaders has described as the "most challenging natural disaster" in its history.

"The main reason why I wanted to do this, is to at least ensure they get one meal," Mr Reginold states. "And I was so happy 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 rescue operations, while humanitarian aid is arriving from international partners and aid groups.

But it will be a long journey to recovery for Sri Lanka, which has seen its share of turmoil in recent years.

Community Organizers Volunteer at Community Kitchen

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

The protests from three years ago were fuelled by a spiralling economic crisis that caused lack of fuel, food and medicine. Widespread frustration exploded and led to a leadership shift. Now, that political activism is being channelled toward cyclone relief.

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

The team have compiled hundreds of requests for help, sent the information to authorities, and organized the distribution of food.

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

Digital Initiatives for Aid

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

Another volunteer-backed website helps donors find relief camps and identify what is most needed in those areas.

Local businesses have launched donation drives, while media outlets have started 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 "unite to rebuild the nation".

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

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

On the ground, 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 exhaustion fade," one volunteer wrote after putting in long hours at aid centers.

"Crises are not new to us. But, the compassion and capacity of our hearts is greater than the destruction that occurs during a disaster."