Tropical Storm Catastrophe in the Island Nation Unleashes a Spirit of Volunteerism

Local actor and musician GK Reginold rides in a small craft through Colombo's suburbs, hoping to deliver food and water to those in desperate need.

Many families, Mr Reginold says, have gone without help for days, cut off by the South Asian island nation's most severe weather disaster in memory.

The powerful storm struck the country last week, causing catastrophic floods and landslides that claimed the lives of more than 400 people, left hundreds unaccounted for and leveled 20,000 homes.

But the deluge has also sparked a surge in community help, 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 help them to have one meal," he shares. "And I was so happy that I was able to do that."

More than one million people have been affected by the disaster and a national emergency has been announced.

The armed forces has sent helicopters for search and rescue, while humanitarian aid is arriving from foreign governments and aid groups.

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

Activists Volunteer at Community Kitchen

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

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

"Some volunteers came after work, some rotated shifts and some even used vacation time to be there," one organizer 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 torrential rain and floods killed hundreds across the country.

Volunteers have compiled hundreds of calls for assistance, 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 notes.

Online Initiatives for Support

A flurry of activity is also happening online, where social media users have created a public database to channel resources and volunteers.

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

Private companies have launched fundraising efforts, while media outlets have initiated an campaign to provide food and basic necessities like soap and toothbrushes.

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

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

Recently, opposition lawmakers staged a walkout in parliament, arguing that the ruling party 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.

"Ultimately, the joy of helping someone else to save lives makes that tiredness fade," one volunteer wrote after working long hours at aid centers.

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