🔗 Share this article

Local performer GK Reginold navigates a motorised fishing boat through flooded neighborhoods, hoping to bring food and water to those in urgent circumstances.

Many families, he explains, have not received aid for days, isolated by the South Asian island nation's most severe weather disaster in memory.

Cyclone Ditwah lashed the country last week, bringing widespread destruction that claimed the lives of more than 400 people, left hundreds unaccounted for and destroyed 20,000 homes.

But the deluge has also inspired a surge in volunteerism, as citizens face what national leaders has described as the "most challenging natural disaster" in its history.

"The main reason why I wanted to do this, is to at least help them to have one meal," he shares. "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 declared.

The military has sent helicopters for search and rescue, while relief assistance is flowing in from foreign governments and aid groups.

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

Activists Volunteer at Local Food Hub

In Colombo's Wijerama neighbourhood, individuals who demonstrated in 2022 are now helping run a community kitchen that produces food aid.

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

"Some volunteers came after work, some rotated shifts and some even took leave 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 "extension" of his community service in 2016, when heavy rains and floods affected hundreds across the country.

The team have compiled hundreds of calls for assistance, shared them to authorities, and organized 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 netizens have created a public database to channel resources and helpers.

Another volunteer-backed website helps donors find relief camps and see what is most needed 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 management of preparations, the president has urged citizens to "put aside all divisions" and "come together to rebuild the nation".

Critics have accused authorities of disregarding forecasts, which they say exacerbated the disaster's effects.

Recently, opposition lawmakers protested in parliament, arguing that the government was trying to restrict debate on the disaster.

On the ground, 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 exhaustion fade," the organizer wrote after putting in long hours at aid centers.

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