🔗 Share this article Tropical Storm Catastrophe in Sri Lanka Awakens a Spirit of Volunteerism See: Sri Lankan communities under water after catastrophic flooding. Sri Lankan performer GK Reginold rides in a small craft through Colombo's suburbs, hoping to deliver essential supplies to those in desperate need. Some of the 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, bringing 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 sparked a surge in community help, as citizens face what national leaders 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." Volunteers have been using small vessels out to rescue flood victims and distribute supplies. 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 international partners and aid groups. But it will be a long journey to rebuild for Sri Lanka, which has seen its share of turmoil in recent years. Community Organizers Volunteer at Local Food Hub In a Colombo suburb, individuals who demonstrated in 2022 are now helping run a makeshift kitchen that produces food aid. The demonstrations 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 civic energy is being directed toward cyclone relief. "People came after work, some rotated shifts and some even used vacation time to be there," one organizer explains. "We mobilized our network as soon as we heard what was happening last Thursday," he says. At a local kitchen in Wijerama, helpers prepare meals for flood-affected residents. The organizer also considers the kitchen as an "continuation" of his community service in 2016, when torrential rain and floods affected hundreds across the country. Volunteers have compiled hundreds of calls for assistance, shared them to authorities, and managed the delivery of food. "Every request we made, we got more than enough in response from the community," he notes. Digital Initiatives for Aid A wave of coordination is also happening online, where netizens have created a public database to direct donations and volunteers. Another volunteer-backed website helps supporters find shelters and see what is most needed in those areas. Private companies have launched donation drives, while media outlets have started an effort to provide food and basic necessities like soap and toothbrushes. Amid criticism over the management of storm readiness, the president has urged citizens to "put aside all divisions" and "come together to restore the nation". Opposition politicians have claimed authorities of disregarding weather warnings, which they say exacerbated the disaster's impact. Recently, opposition lawmakers protested 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 pick up the pieces after the floods. "In the end, the joy of helping someone else to save lives makes that tiredness fade," the organizer wrote after putting in long hours at aid centers. "Crises are not new to us. But, the compassion and capacity of our hearts is greater than the destruction that occurs during a disaster."