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Local actor and musician GK Reginold navigates a small craft through Colombo's suburbs, hoping to deliver food and water to those in desperate need.

Many families, he explains, have not received aid for days, isolated by the country's worst weather disaster in memory.

The powerful storm lashed 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 deluge has also inspired a surge in community help, 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 help them to have 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 national emergency has been declared.

The military has deployed 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 rebuild for the nation, which has seen its share of turmoil in recent years.

Activists Volunteer at Local Food Hub

In Colombo's Wijerama neighbourhood, activists who demonstrated in 2022 are now operating a community kitchen that produces food aid.

The demonstrations 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 political change. Now, that political activism is being directed toward disaster response.

"People 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 views the kitchen as an "extension" of his community service in 2016, when torrential rain and floods killed hundreds across the country.

Volunteers have compiled hundreds of calls for assistance, shared them to authorities, and managed the distribution of food.

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

Online Initiatives for Support

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

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

Private companies have organized fundraising efforts, while local television channels have started an effort to provide food and essential items like soap and toothbrushes.

Facing criticism over the handling of preparations, the president has urged citizens to "set aside all political differences" and "come together to rebuild the nation".

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

Recently, opposition lawmakers staged a walkout in parliament, claiming 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 joy of helping someone else in a crisis makes that exhaustion fade," the organizer wrote after putting in long hours at aid centers.

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