🔗 Share this article

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

Some of the families, he explains, have not received aid for days, cut off by the country's most severe weather disaster in recent years.

The powerful storm lashed the country last week, bringing widespread destruction that killed more than 400 people, left 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.

"My primary motivation for getting involved, 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 military has sent helicopters for rescue operations, while humanitarian aid is arriving 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 turmoil in recent years.

Activists Pitch In at Community Kitchen

In a Colombo suburb, activists who protested in 2022 are now operating a makeshift kitchen that produces food aid.

The protests from three years ago were fuelled by a spiralling economic crisis that caused lack of fuel, food and medicine. Widespread frustration exploded and led to political change. Now, that political activism is being channelled toward cyclone relief.

"People came after work, some rotated shifts 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 killed hundreds across the country.

The team have compiled hundreds of requests for help, shared them to authorities, and organized the delivery of food.

"Whatever we asked for, we got more than enough 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 shared list to direct donations and volunteers.

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

Private companies have organized fundraising efforts, while local television channels have started an effort to provide food and essential items like soap and toothbrushes.

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

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

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

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

"Ultimately, the satisfaction of helping someone else to save lives 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 larger than the damage that occurs during a disaster."