Tropical Storm Catastrophe in Sri Lanka Awakens a Spirit of Volunteerism

Local actor and musician GK Reginold rides in a small craft through flooded neighborhoods, hoping to bring essential supplies to those in desperate need.

Some of the families, he explains, have gone without help for days, cut off by the country's worst weather disaster in recent years.

Cyclone Ditwah struck the country last week, causing catastrophic floods and landslides that killed more than 400 people, with hundreds unaccounted for and leveled 20,000 homes.

But the flooding has also inspired a surge in volunteerism, as people face what national leaders has described as the "most challenging natural disaster" in its history.

"My primary motivation 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 impacted by the disaster and a national emergency has been declared.

The armed forces has sent helicopters for rescue operations, while humanitarian aid is arriving from international partners and aid groups.

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

Activists Volunteer at Local Food Hub

In a Colombo suburb, individuals who demonstrated in 2022 are now helping run a community kitchen that produces meals.

The protests from three years ago were driven by a severe economic downturn that caused lack of fuel, food and medicine. Widespread frustration exploded and led to political change. Now, that political activism is being directed toward disaster response.

"People came after work, some took turns and some even used vacation time to be there," one organizer explains.

"We reactivated the group as soon as we heard what was happening last Thursday," he says.

The organizer also considers the kitchen as an "extension" of his community service in 2016, when heavy rains and floods affected hundreds across the country.

Volunteers have compiled hundreds of requests for help, sent the information to authorities, and managed the distribution of food.

"Whatever we asked for, we got an overwhelming amount in response from the community," he says.

Digital Initiatives for Aid

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

Another community-run website helps donors find shelters and identify what is most needed in those areas.

Local businesses have launched donation drives, while media outlets have initiated an effort to provide food and basic necessities like soap and toothbrushes.

Facing criticism over the management of preparations, the president has urged citizens to "put aside all political differences" and "unite to restore the nation".

Critics have accused authorities of disregarding forecasts, which they say exacerbated the disaster's impact.

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

In affected communities, 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 putting in long hours at aid centers.

"Crises are not new to us. But, the compassion and size of our hearts is larger than the damage that occurs during a disaster."