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Sri Lankan actor and musician GK Reginold rides in a small craft through Colombo's suburbs, aiming to bring 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 weather disaster in memory.

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

But the flooding has also sparked a rise in volunteerism, as citizens 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," 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 national emergency has been declared.

The armed forces has deployed helicopters for rescue operations, while relief assistance is flowing in from foreign governments 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.

Activists Volunteer at Community Kitchen

In Colombo's Wijerama neighbourhood, activists who demonstrated in 2022 are now operating 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. Public anger exploded and led to political change. Now, that political activism is being channelled toward cyclone relief.

"Some volunteers 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 views 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 an overwhelming amount in response from the community," he says.

Online Initiatives for Aid

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

Another volunteer-backed website helps donors find shelters and identify what is most needed in those areas.

Local businesses have organized donation drives, while local television channels have started an effort to provide food and basic necessities like soap and toothbrushes.

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

Opposition politicians have claimed 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 limit debate on the disaster.

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

"In the end, the joy of helping someone else to save lives makes that tiredness fade," one volunteer wrote after putting in long hours at aid centers.

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