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Local performer GK Reginold rides in 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, cut off by the country's most severe weather disaster in recent years.

The powerful storm lashed the country last week, bringing widespread destruction that killed more than 400 people, left hundreds unaccounted for and leveled 20,000 homes.

But the flooding has also sparked a surge 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," he shares. "And I was deeply gratified 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 sent helicopters for search and rescue, while humanitarian aid is flowing in from foreign governments and aid groups.

But it will be a lengthy process to rebuild for the nation, which has seen its share of turmoil in recent years.

Community Organizers Volunteer at Local Food Hub

In a Colombo suburb, activists who demonstrated 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. Public anger exploded and led to political change. Now, that political activism is being directed toward disaster response.

"Some volunteers came after work, some took turns 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 considers the kitchen as an "continuation" of his community service in 2016, when heavy rains and floods killed hundreds across the country.

The team have compiled hundreds of requests for help, 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.

Digital Campaigns for Aid

A flurry of activity 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.

Private companies have launched donation drives, while local television channels 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 "set aside all political differences" and "unite to rebuild the nation".

Opposition politicians have claimed authorities of disregarding weather warnings, which they say exacerbated the disaster's effects.

Recently, opposition lawmakers protested in parliament, arguing that the government was trying to limit debate on the disaster.

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

"Ultimately, the joy of helping someone else in a crisis makes that tiredness fade," one volunteer wrote after putting in long hours at relief sites.

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