🔗 Share this article

Local performer GK Reginold rides in a motorised fishing boat through flooded neighborhoods, hoping to deliver essential supplies to those in desperate need.

Many families, he explains, have not received aid for days, cut off by the country's worst weather disaster in memory.

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

But the deluge has also inspired a rise in volunteerism, as citizens 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," 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 state of emergency has been declared.

The armed forces has sent helicopters for rescue operations, while relief assistance is arriving from foreign governments and aid groups.

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

Community Organizers Volunteer at Community Kitchen

In a Colombo suburb, individuals who demonstrated in 2022 are now operating a makeshift kitchen that churns out meals.

The protests from three years ago were driven 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 directed toward disaster response.

"Some volunteers came after work, some took turns and some even used vacation time 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 considers the kitchen as an "continuation" of his volunteer work in 2016, when heavy rains and floods affected hundreds across the country.

The team have compiled hundreds of calls for assistance, sent the information to authorities, and managed the distribution of food.

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

Online Initiatives for Aid

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

Another community-run website helps donors find relief camps and identify what is in highest demand in those areas.

Local businesses have organized fundraising efforts, while local television channels have initiated 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 "set aside all divisions" and "come together to restore the nation".

Opposition politicians have accused authorities of disregarding forecasts, which they say worsened the disaster's impact.

Recently, opposition lawmakers protested in parliament, arguing that the ruling party 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.

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

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