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Sri Lankan actor and musician GK Reginold rides in a motorised fishing boat through flooded neighborhoods, aiming to bring food and water to those in desperate need.

Some of the families, Mr Reginold says, have gone without help for days, isolated by the South Asian island nation's worst weather disaster in memory.

Cyclone Ditwah lashed the country last week, bringing widespread destruction that claimed the lives of more than 400 people, with hundreds unaccounted for and destroyed 20,000 homes.

But the flooding has also sparked a rise in volunteerism, as people face what national leaders has described as the "most challenging 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 impacted by the disaster and a state of emergency has been announced.

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

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

Community Organizers Volunteer at Community Kitchen

In a Colombo suburb, activists who protested in 2022 are now helping run a community kitchen that produces meals.

The demonstrations from three years ago were fuelled by a spiralling economic crisis that caused lack of fuel, food and medicine. Public anger erupted and led to political change. Now, that civic energy is being directed toward cyclone relief.

"Some volunteers came after work, some took turns and some even took leave to be there," a social media activist states.

"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 killed hundreds across the country.

Volunteers have gathered hundreds of calls for assistance, sent the information to authorities, and organized the distribution of food.

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

Online Campaigns for Support

A flurry of activity is also happening on the internet, where social media users have created a shared list to direct donations and volunteers.

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

Private companies have organized fundraising efforts, while media outlets have started 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".

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

Recently, opposition lawmakers protested in parliament, claiming that the ruling party was trying to limit debate on the disaster.

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

"Ultimately, the joy of helping someone else to save lives makes that exhaustion fade," the organizer wrote after working long hours at aid centers.

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