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Local performer GK Reginold navigates a small craft through flooded neighborhoods, hoping to deliver food and water to those in desperate need.

Many families, Mr Reginold says, have not received aid for days, cut off by the country's worst natural catastrophe in memory.

The powerful storm lashed the country last week, causing widespread destruction that claimed the lives of more than 400 people, with hundreds missing and leveled 20,000 homes.

But the deluge has also inspired a surge in volunteerism, as people face what the president has described as the "gravest natural disaster" in its history.

"The main reason for getting involved, is to at least help them to have 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 national emergency has been declared.

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

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

Activists Pitch In at Local Food Hub

In a Colombo suburb, individuals who protested in 2022 are now helping run a community kitchen that produces food aid.

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 political change. Now, that civic energy is being channelled toward disaster response.

"People came after work, some took turns and some even used vacation time to be there," a social media activist 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 "continuation" of his community service in 2016, when heavy rains and floods affected hundreds across the country.

Volunteers have compiled 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 says.

Digital Campaigns for Support

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

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

Private companies have organized fundraising efforts, while media outlets have initiated an effort to provide food and basic necessities like soap and toothbrushes.

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

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

Recently, opposition lawmakers staged a walkout in parliament, arguing that the ruling party was trying to restrict debate on the disaster.

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

"In the end, the satisfaction of helping someone else in a crisis makes that tiredness fade," one volunteer wrote after working long hours at relief sites.

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