🔗 Share this article

Local performer GK Reginold rides in a motorised fishing boat through Colombo's suburbs, hoping to bring 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 weather disaster in memory.

The powerful storm lashed 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 flooding has also inspired a rise in community help, 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 impacted by the disaster and a state of emergency has been announced.

The military has sent helicopters for search and rescue, while humanitarian aid is flowing in from international partners and aid groups.

But it will be a lengthy process to rebuild for the nation, which has seen its fair share of turmoil in recent years.

Activists Volunteer at Local Food Hub

In Colombo's Wijerama neighbourhood, individuals who demonstrated in 2022 are now operating a makeshift kitchen that churns out food aid.

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 a leadership shift. Now, that civic energy is being channelled toward disaster response.

"People came after work, some rotated shifts and some even took leave to be there," a social media activist states.

"We reactivated the group as soon as we heard what was happening last Thursday," he says.

The organizer also considers the kitchen as an "extension" of his volunteer work in 2016, when heavy rains and floods affected hundreds across the country.

Volunteers have gathered hundreds of requests for help, sent the information to authorities, and managed the delivery of food.

"Whatever we asked for, we got an overwhelming amount in response from the community," he says.

Digital Campaigns for Support

A flurry of activity is also happening online, where social media users have created a shared list to direct donations and helpers.

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

Local businesses have launched 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 preparations, the president has urged citizens to "put aside all political differences" and "unite to rebuild the nation".

Opposition politicians have accused authorities of ignoring weather warnings, which they say worsened the disaster's effects.

Recently, opposition lawmakers staged a walkout 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 begin the cleanup after the floods.

"In the end, the joy of helping someone else in a crisis makes that exhaustion fade," the organizer wrote after putting in long hours at relief sites.

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