Cyclone Catastrophe in the Island Nation Ignites a Wave of Volunteerism

Local actor and musician GK Reginold navigates a motorised fishing boat through Colombo's suburbs, hoping to bring essential supplies to those in urgent circumstances.

Many families, Mr Reginold says, have not received aid for days, cut off by the country's most severe weather disaster in memory.

The powerful storm lashed the country last week, bringing widespread destruction that killed more than 400 people, left hundreds unaccounted for and leveled 20,000 homes.

But the flooding has also inspired a rise in community help, as citizens face what national leaders has described as the "most challenging natural disaster" in its history.

"My primary motivation why I wanted to do this, is to at least ensure they get one meal," Mr Reginold states. "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 national emergency has been declared.

The military has sent helicopters for search and rescue, while relief assistance is arriving from international partners and non-governmental organisations.

But it will be a long journey to recovery for the nation, which has seen its fair share of turmoil in recent years.

Activists Volunteer at Local Food Hub

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

The demonstrations from three years ago were fuelled 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 directed toward cyclone relief.

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

Volunteers have gathered hundreds of calls for assistance, shared them to authorities, and managed the distribution of food.

"Whatever we asked for, we got more than enough in response from the community," he notes.

Online Initiatives for Support

A wave of coordination is also happening on the internet, where social media users have created a shared list to channel resources and helpers.

Another volunteer-backed website helps supporters find shelters and see what is in highest demand in those areas.

Local businesses have organized donation drives, while media outlets have initiated an campaign to provide food and essential items like soap and toothbrushes.

Facing criticism over the handling of preparations, the president has urged citizens to "set aside all divisions" and "come together to rebuild the nation".

Critics have claimed authorities of disregarding weather warnings, which they say worsened the disaster's impact.

Recently, opposition lawmakers staged a walkout in parliament, arguing that the government was trying to limit debate on the disaster.

On the ground, however, there remains a feeling of togetherness as people begin the cleanup after the floods.

"Ultimately, the satisfaction of helping someone else to save lives makes that exhaustion fade," one volunteer 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."