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Sri Lankan performer GK Reginold rides in a small craft through flooded neighborhoods, aiming to deliver essential supplies to those in urgent circumstances.

Some of the families, Mr Reginold says, have gone without help for days, cut off by the South Asian island nation's most severe weather disaster in recent years.

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

But the flooding 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 for getting involved, 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 military has sent helicopters for search and rescue, while humanitarian aid is flowing in from international partners and non-governmental organisations.

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

Activists Volunteer at Local Food Hub

In a Colombo suburb, individuals who protested in 2022 are now helping run a community 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. Public anger erupted and led to a leadership shift. Now, that political activism is being directed toward disaster response.

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

Volunteers have compiled hundreds of requests for help, shared them to authorities, and organized the distribution of food.

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

Online Campaigns for Support

A flurry of activity is also happening online, where social media users have created a public database to channel resources and volunteers.

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

Private companies have organized donation drives, while local television channels have started an campaign to provide food and essential items like soap and toothbrushes.

Amid criticism over the management of preparations, 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 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 togetherness as people begin the cleanup after the floods.

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

"Disasters are not new to us. But, the empathy and capacity of our hearts is larger than the damage that occurs during a disaster."