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Local actor and musician GK Reginold rides in a small craft through Colombo's suburbs, hoping to bring essential supplies to those in urgent circumstances.

Many families, Mr Reginold says, have gone without help for days, isolated by the country's most severe weather disaster in recent years.

The powerful storm lashed the country last week, causing catastrophic floods and landslides that claimed the lives of more than 400 people, left hundreds missing and destroyed 20,000 homes.

But the deluge has also inspired a rise in community help, as people 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 help them to have one meal," Mr Reginold states. "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 announced.

The armed forces has deployed helicopters for rescue operations, while humanitarian aid is arriving from international partners and aid groups.

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

Community Organizers Volunteer at Community Kitchen

In a Colombo suburb, individuals who demonstrated in 2022 are now operating a community kitchen that churns out meals.

The protests from three years ago were fuelled by a spiralling economic crisis that caused lack of fuel, food and medicine. Public anger erupted and led to political change. Now, that civic energy is being channelled toward cyclone relief.

"Some volunteers came after work, some took turns and some even used vacation time to be there," a social media activist states.

"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 heavy rains 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.

"Every request we made, we got an overwhelming amount in response from the community," he notes.

Digital Initiatives for Support

A wave of coordination is also happening online, where social media users have created a public database to direct donations and helpers.

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

Local businesses have launched fundraising efforts, while local television channels have started an effort to provide food and essential items like soap and toothbrushes.

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

Critics have accused authorities of disregarding forecasts, which they say exacerbated the disaster's impact.

Recently, opposition lawmakers protested in parliament, arguing that the government 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.

"Ultimately, the satisfaction 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 compassion and size of our hearts is greater than the damage that occurs during a disaster."