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Local performer GK Reginold rides in a motorised fishing boat through Colombo's suburbs, hoping to deliver essential supplies to those in urgent circumstances.

Many families, Mr Reginold says, have not received aid for days, cut off by the country's most severe natural catastrophe in recent years.

Cyclone Ditwah struck the country last week, bringing catastrophic floods and landslides that claimed the lives of more than 400 people, left hundreds missing and leveled 20,000 homes.

But the flooding has also inspired a surge in community help, as people 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 help them to have 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 announced.

The armed forces has deployed helicopters for rescue operations, while humanitarian aid is flowing in from foreign governments and non-governmental organisations.

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

Activists Pitch In at Local Food Hub

In Colombo's Wijerama neighbourhood, individuals who demonstrated in 2022 are now helping run a makeshift kitchen that churns out food aid.

The protests from three years ago were fuelled by a severe economic downturn that caused lack of fuel, food and medicine. Public anger exploded and led to a leadership shift. Now, that political activism is being directed toward disaster response.

"Some volunteers came after work, some rotated shifts and some even used vacation time to be there," a social media activist explains.

"We reactivated the group as soon as we heard what was happening last Thursday," he says.

The organizer also views the kitchen as an "extension" of his community service in 2016, when heavy rains and floods affected hundreds across the country.

The team have compiled hundreds of calls for assistance, shared them to authorities, and organized the distribution of food.

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

Digital Campaigns for Aid

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

Another community-run website helps supporters find relief camps and see what is in highest demand in those areas.

Private companies have organized donation drives, while media outlets have initiated an effort to provide food and essential items like soap and toothbrushes.

Facing criticism over the handling of storm readiness, the president has urged citizens to "put aside all political differences" and "unite to rebuild the nation".

Opposition politicians have accused authorities of disregarding forecasts, which they say worsened the disaster's effects.

Recently, opposition lawmakers staged a walkout 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 working long hours at relief sites.

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