🔗 Share this article

Sri Lankan performer GK Reginold rides in a small craft through flooded neighborhoods, hoping to deliver essential supplies to those in desperate need.

Many families, he explains, have gone without help for days, cut off by the country's worst natural catastrophe in memory.

Cyclone Ditwah struck the country last week, bringing widespread destruction that killed more than 400 people, left hundreds missing and destroyed 20,000 homes.

But the deluge has also sparked a rise in volunteerism, as people face what the president 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 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 deployed helicopters for rescue operations, while humanitarian aid is arriving from international partners and aid groups.

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

Activists Pitch In at Local Food Hub

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

The protests from three years ago were driven by a severe economic downturn that caused shortages of fuel, food and medicine. Public anger exploded and led to political change. Now, that civic energy is being channelled toward cyclone relief.

"People came after work, some rotated shifts 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 views the kitchen as an "continuation" of his volunteer work in 2016, when torrential rain and floods killed hundreds across the country.

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

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

Digital Initiatives for Aid

A wave of coordination is also happening on the internet, where netizens have created a public database to channel resources and volunteers.

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

Private companies have organized fundraising efforts, while local television channels have initiated an campaign to provide food and basic necessities like soap and toothbrushes.

Facing criticism over the management of preparations, the president has urged citizens to "put aside all political differences" and "come together to restore the nation".

Opposition politicians have claimed authorities of ignoring forecasts, which they say worsened the disaster's effects.

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

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

"Ultimately, the joy of helping someone else to save lives makes that tiredness fade," the organizer wrote after working long hours at relief sites.

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