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Sri Lankan performer GK Reginold navigates a motorised fishing boat 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 country's worst natural catastrophe in memory.

Cyclone Ditwah struck the country last week, causing catastrophic floods and landslides that killed more than 400 people, with hundreds unaccounted for and destroyed 20,000 homes.

But the deluge has also sparked a surge in community help, as people face what national leaders has described as the "gravest natural disaster" in its history.

"The main reason why I wanted to do this, is to at least ensure they get 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 armed forces has sent helicopters for rescue operations, while relief assistance is arriving from international partners and non-governmental organisations.

But it will be a long journey to recovery for the nation, which has seen its fair share of difficulties in recent years.

Activists Volunteer at Community Kitchen

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

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 a leadership shift. Now, that political activism is being directed toward cyclone relief.

"People came after work, some took turns and some even took leave 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 considers the kitchen as an "continuation" of his volunteer work 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 distribution of food.

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

Online Initiatives for Aid

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

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

Private companies have organized fundraising efforts, while media outlets have started an campaign to provide food and basic necessities like soap and toothbrushes.

Amid criticism over the handling of preparations, the president has urged citizens to "put aside all divisions" and "unite to rebuild the nation".

Critics have accused authorities of ignoring weather warnings, which they say worsened the disaster's impact.

Recently, opposition lawmakers staged a walkout in parliament, claiming that the ruling party was trying to restrict debate on the disaster.

On the ground, however, there remains a feeling of unity as people pick up the pieces after the floods.

"In the end, the joy of helping someone else to save lives makes that exhaustion fade," the organizer wrote after working long hours at relief sites.

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