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Sri Lankan actor and musician GK Reginold rides in a small craft through flooded neighborhoods, hoping to bring essential supplies to those in urgent circumstances.

Many families, Mr Reginold says, have not received aid for days, isolated by the country's worst natural catastrophe in memory.

The powerful storm struck the country last week, bringing catastrophic floods and landslides that claimed the lives of more than 400 people, left hundreds unaccounted for 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.

"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 affected by the disaster and a national emergency has been declared.

The armed forces has deployed helicopters for rescue operations, while relief assistance is flowing in from foreign governments and aid groups.

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

Activists Volunteer at Local Food Hub

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

The protests 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 channelled toward cyclone relief.

"Some volunteers 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 "continuation" of his community service in 2016, when heavy rains and floods affected hundreds across the country.

Volunteers have compiled hundreds of requests for help, sent the information 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 wave of coordination is also happening on the internet, where social media users have created a shared list to channel resources and helpers.

Another community-run website helps donors find shelters and identify what is most needed in those areas.

Local businesses 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 management of preparations, the president has urged citizens to "set aside all political differences" and "unite to rebuild the nation".

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

Recently, opposition lawmakers protested in parliament, claiming that the government was trying to restrict debate on the disaster.

On the ground, however, there remains a sense of togetherness as people pick up the pieces after the floods.

"Ultimately, the joy of helping someone else to save lives makes that tiredness fade," the organizer wrote after putting in long hours at relief sites.

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