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Sri Lankan actor and musician GK Reginold rides in a motorised fishing boat through flooded neighborhoods, aiming to deliver essential supplies to those in desperate need.

Many families, he explains, have not received aid for days, isolated by the South Asian island nation's worst weather disaster in recent years.

The powerful storm struck the country last week, causing catastrophic floods and landslides that killed more than 400 people, left hundreds unaccounted for and leveled 20,000 homes.

But the deluge has also inspired a rise in community help, as citizens face what the president has described as the "most challenging natural disaster" in its history.

"My primary motivation for getting involved, is to at least ensure they get 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 state of emergency has been announced.

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

Activists Pitch In at Community Kitchen

In a Colombo suburb, activists who protested in 2022 are now helping run a community kitchen that churns out food aid.

The demonstrations from three years ago were driven by a severe economic downturn that caused shortages of fuel, food and medicine. Public anger exploded 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 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 community service in 2016, when torrential rain and floods killed hundreds across the country.

The team have compiled hundreds of requests for help, shared them to authorities, and managed the delivery of food.

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

Online Campaigns for Support

A wave of coordination is also happening on the internet, where netizens have created a shared list to direct donations and helpers.

Another community-run website helps donors find shelters and identify 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 basic necessities like soap and toothbrushes.

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

Critics have claimed authorities of disregarding forecasts, which they say exacerbated 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 sense of togetherness as people pick up the pieces after the floods.

"Ultimately, the satisfaction of helping someone else to save lives makes that tiredness fade," one volunteer wrote after working long hours at aid centers.

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