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Sri Lankan performer GK Reginold navigates a motorised fishing boat through Colombo's suburbs, hoping to bring food and water to those in urgent circumstances.

Some of the families, he explains, have gone without help for days, isolated by the country's most severe natural catastrophe in memory.

The powerful storm 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 deluge has also inspired a rise in community help, as citizens face what the president has described as the "gravest 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 so happy 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 declared.

The armed forces has deployed helicopters for search and rescue, while relief assistance 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 share of difficulties in recent years.

Activists Pitch In at Local Food Hub

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

The demonstrations from three years ago were driven by a severe economic downturn that caused lack of fuel, food and medicine. Widespread frustration exploded and led to a leadership shift. Now, that political activism is being directed toward disaster response.

"Some volunteers came after work, some took turns 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 "extension" of his community service in 2016, when torrential rain and floods killed hundreds across the country.

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

"Every request we made, we got more than enough in response from the community," he says.

Online Campaigns for Support

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

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

Local businesses have organized donation drives, while local television channels have initiated an campaign to provide food and basic necessities like soap and toothbrushes.

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

Opposition politicians have claimed authorities of disregarding forecasts, which they say worsened the disaster's effects.

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

On the ground, however, there remains a feeling of togetherness 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 working long hours at aid centers.

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