🔗 Share this article

Local performer GK Reginold rides in a small craft through Colombo's suburbs, aiming to bring food and water to those in urgent circumstances.

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.

The powerful storm struck the country last week, bringing catastrophic floods and landslides that killed more than 400 people, with hundreds missing and destroyed 20,000 homes.

But the deluge has also sparked a surge in volunteerism, as citizens face what the president 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," Mr Reginold states. "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 national emergency has been announced.

The armed forces has sent helicopters for search and rescue, while relief assistance is flowing in from international partners and aid groups.

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

Community Organizers Pitch In at Community Kitchen

In Colombo's Wijerama neighbourhood, activists who protested in 2022 are now helping run a community kitchen that produces meals.

The demonstrations from three years ago were driven by a spiralling economic crisis that caused shortages of fuel, food and medicine. Widespread frustration erupted and led to a leadership shift. Now, that political activism is being directed toward cyclone relief.

"People came after work, some took turns and some even took leave 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 considers the kitchen as an "extension" 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 organized the delivery of food.

"Every request we made, we got an overwhelming amount in response from the community," he says.

Digital Campaigns for Aid

A wave of coordination is also happening on the internet, where social media users have created a public database to channel resources and volunteers.

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

Local businesses have organized fundraising efforts, while local television channels have initiated an effort to provide food and basic necessities like soap and toothbrushes.

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

Critics 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 restrict debate on the disaster.

In affected communities, however, there remains a sense of togetherness as people pick up the pieces after the floods.

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

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