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Local actor and musician GK Reginold rides in a small craft through Colombo's suburbs, aiming to deliver essential supplies 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 memory.

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

But the deluge 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 why I wanted to do this, is to at least ensure they get one meal," Mr Reginold states. "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 armed forces has sent helicopters for rescue operations, while humanitarian aid is arriving from international partners and aid groups.

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

Community Organizers Volunteer at Community Kitchen

In a Colombo suburb, individuals who demonstrated in 2022 are now helping run a makeshift kitchen that produces meals.

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 civic energy is being directed toward cyclone relief.

"Some volunteers came after work, some rotated shifts and some even used vacation time 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 "continuation" of his community service in 2016, when heavy rains 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.

Digital Initiatives for Aid

A flurry of activity is also happening online, where social media users have created a public database to channel resources and volunteers.

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

Local businesses have launched fundraising efforts, while local television channels have started an campaign to provide food and basic necessities like soap and toothbrushes.

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

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

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

In affected communities, however, there remains a sense of togetherness as people begin the cleanup after the floods.

"In the end, the joy of helping someone else to save lives makes that exhaustion fade," the organizer wrote after working long hours at relief sites.

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