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Local actor and musician GK Reginold rides in a small craft through flooded neighborhoods, aiming to bring food and water to those in desperate need.

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

Cyclone Ditwah lashed the country last week, causing widespread destruction that killed more than 400 people, with hundreds missing and leveled 20,000 homes.

But the deluge has also sparked a surge in community help, as people face what national leaders has described as the "gravest 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 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 declared.

The military has sent helicopters for search and rescue, while humanitarian aid is flowing in from international partners and non-governmental organisations.

But it will be a long journey to recovery for Sri Lanka, which has seen its share of turmoil in recent years.

Community Organizers Volunteer at Local Food Hub

In a Colombo suburb, individuals who demonstrated in 2022 are now helping run a makeshift 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 civic energy is being directed toward cyclone relief.

"People came after work, some took turns and some even took leave to be there," one organizer 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 "continuation" of his community service in 2016, when torrential rain and floods killed hundreds across the country.

The team have gathered 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 says.

Digital Campaigns for Aid

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

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

Private companies have launched fundraising efforts, while local television channels have started an campaign 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 restore the nation".

Critics have accused authorities of ignoring weather warnings, which they say exacerbated the disaster's effects.

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

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

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

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