Sri Lankan actor and musician GK Reginold navigates a small craft through Colombo's suburbs, aiming to deliver food and water to those in desperate need.
Many families, he explains, have not received aid for days, isolated by the country's most severe natural catastrophe in memory.
The powerful storm struck the country last week, causing widespread destruction that claimed the lives of more than 400 people, with hundreds unaccounted for and leveled 20,000 homes.
But the deluge has also inspired a rise in volunteerism, as people 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," he shares. "And I was so happy that I was able to do that."
More than one million people have been impacted by the disaster and a state of emergency has been declared.
The military has deployed helicopters for search and rescue, while relief assistance is flowing in from international partners and aid groups.
But it will be a lengthy process to rebuild for the nation, which has seen its fair share of difficulties in recent years.
Activists Volunteer at Local Food Hub
In a Colombo suburb, activists who demonstrated in 2022 are now helping run a makeshift kitchen that churns out food aid.
The demonstrations from three years ago were driven by a spiralling economic crisis that caused shortages of fuel, food and medicine. Public anger erupted and led to a leadership shift. Now, that political activism is being channelled toward disaster response.
"Some volunteers came after work, some took turns and some even used vacation time to be there," a social media activist explains.
"We reactivated the group 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 killed hundreds across the country.
Volunteers have compiled hundreds of requests for help, sent the information to authorities, and organized the distribution of food.
"Whatever we asked for, we got an overwhelming amount in response from the community," he notes.
Online Campaigns for Support
A wave of coordination is also happening online, where netizens have created a public database to direct donations and helpers.
Another community-run website helps donors find shelters and see what is in highest demand in those areas.
Private companies have launched donation drives, while local television channels have started an effort to provide food and basic necessities like soap and toothbrushes.
Facing criticism over the management of storm readiness, the president has urged citizens to "put aside all political differences" and "come together to restore the nation".
Critics have accused authorities of disregarding forecasts, which they say worsened the disaster's impact.
Recently, opposition lawmakers protested in parliament, claiming that the government was trying to restrict debate on the disaster.
On the ground, however, there remains a sense 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 working long hours at aid centers.
"Crises are not new to us. But, the empathy and size of our hearts is larger than the destruction that occurs during a disaster."
