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Local performer GK Reginold rides in a small craft through flooded neighborhoods, hoping to bring food and water to those in urgent circumstances.

Some of the families, Mr Reginold says, have gone without help for days, isolated by the country's worst weather disaster in memory.

The powerful storm lashed the country last week, bringing widespread destruction that killed more than 400 people, left hundreds unaccounted for and destroyed 20,000 homes.

But the flooding has also sparked a surge in volunteerism, 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 affected by the disaster and a state of emergency has been declared.

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

But it will be a lengthy process to rebuild for Sri Lanka, which has seen its share of difficulties in recent years.

Activists Volunteer at Local Food Hub

In a Colombo suburb, activists who protested in 2022 are now operating a makeshift kitchen that churns out food aid.

The protests from three years ago were driven by a spiralling economic crisis that caused lack of fuel, food and medicine. Widespread frustration erupted and led to a leadership shift. Now, that civic energy is being channelled toward cyclone relief.

"Some volunteers came after work, some rotated shifts and some even took leave to be there," a social media activist states.

"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 volunteer work 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 organized the delivery of food.

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

Online Campaigns for Aid

A flurry of activity is also happening online, where netizens have created a shared list to channel resources and helpers.

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

Local businesses have organized donation drives, while local television channels have initiated an effort to provide food and essential items like soap and toothbrushes.

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

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

Recently, opposition lawmakers staged a walkout in parliament, arguing that the government was trying to limit debate on the disaster.

On the ground, however, there remains a sense of unity as people begin the cleanup after the floods.

"Ultimately, the joy of helping someone else in a crisis makes that exhaustion fade," one volunteer wrote after putting in long hours at aid centers.

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