🔗 Share this article Tropical Storm Catastrophe in Sri Lanka Awakens a Wave of Community Action See: Sri Lankan communities submerged after catastrophic rains. Sri Lankan performer GK Reginold rides in a motorised fishing boat through Colombo's suburbs, aiming to deliver food and water to those in urgent circumstances. Some of the families, Mr Reginold says, have not received aid for days, isolated by the South Asian island nation's worst natural catastrophe in memory. The powerful storm struck the country last week, causing catastrophic floods and landslides that killed more than 400 people, with hundreds unaccounted for and destroyed 20,000 homes. But the flooding 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 for getting involved, is to at least ensure they get one meal," Mr Reginold states. "And I was so happy that I was able to do that." Local residents have been using small vessels out to rescue flood victims and deliver aid. More than one million people have been affected by the disaster and a state of emergency has been announced. The armed forces has deployed helicopters for rescue operations, while humanitarian aid is arriving from international partners and non-governmental organisations. But it will be a lengthy process to recovery for Sri Lanka, which has seen its fair share of difficulties in recent years. Community Organizers Volunteer at Community Kitchen In a Colombo suburb, activists who protested in 2022 are now operating a community kitchen that churns out meals. 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 a leadership shift. Now, that civic energy is being channelled toward cyclone relief. "People came after work, some took turns and some even took leave to be there," one organizer states. "We mobilized our network as soon as we heard what was happening last Thursday," he says. At a community kitchen in Wijerama, volunteers prepare meals for those displaced by water. The organizer also views the kitchen as an "continuation" of his volunteer work in 2016, when torrential rain and floods affected hundreds across the country. Volunteers have gathered hundreds of calls for assistance, sent the information to authorities, and managed the delivery of food. "Whatever we asked for, we got more than enough in response from the community," he says. Online Campaigns for Support A flurry of activity is also happening online, where netizens have created a public database to direct donations and helpers. Another volunteer-backed website helps donors find shelters and identify what is in highest demand in those areas. Local businesses have launched donation drives, while media outlets have initiated an campaign to provide food and basic necessities like soap and toothbrushes. Facing criticism over the handling of preparations, the president has urged citizens to "put aside all political differences" and "unite to restore the nation". Critics have claimed authorities of disregarding forecasts, which they say worsened the disaster's effects. Recently, opposition lawmakers protested in parliament, arguing that the government was trying to limit debate on the disaster. In affected communities, however, there remains a feeling of unity as people begin the cleanup 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. "Disasters are not new to us. But, the empathy and capacity of our hearts is greater than the destruction that occurs during a disaster."