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Local performer GK Reginold navigates a motorised fishing boat through Colombo's suburbs, aiming to bring essential supplies to those in desperate need.

Some of the families, Mr Reginold says, have not received aid for days, cut off by the country's worst natural catastrophe in memory.

Cyclone Ditwah struck the country last week, bringing widespread destruction that claimed the lives of more than 400 people, left hundreds unaccounted for and destroyed 20,000 homes.

But the deluge 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 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 deployed helicopters for rescue operations, while relief assistance is arriving from foreign governments and non-governmental organisations.

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

Activists Pitch In at Community Kitchen

In a Colombo suburb, activists who demonstrated in 2022 are now helping run a makeshift kitchen that churns out meals.

The demonstrations from three years ago were fuelled by a spiralling economic crisis that caused lack of fuel, food and medicine. Widespread frustration erupted and led to political change. Now, that political activism is being directed toward cyclone relief.

"Some volunteers came after work, some rotated shifts and some even took leave to be there," one organizer 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 "extension" of his community service in 2016, when heavy rains and floods affected hundreds across the country.

The team have gathered hundreds of requests for help, sent the information to authorities, and managed the delivery of food.

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

Online Campaigns for Support

A wave of coordination is also happening online, where social media users have created a shared list to direct donations and volunteers.

Another volunteer-backed website helps supporters find shelters and identify what is most needed in those areas.

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

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

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

Recently, opposition lawmakers protested in parliament, arguing that the ruling party was trying to limit 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 in a crisis makes that tiredness fade," one volunteer wrote after putting in long hours at aid centers.

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