Tropical Storm Disaster in Sri Lanka Awakens a Spirit of Community Action

Sri Lankan performer GK Reginold navigates a motorised fishing boat through flooded neighborhoods, hoping to bring essential supplies to those in urgent circumstances.

Some of the families, Mr Reginold says, have gone without help for days, cut off by the country's most severe weather disaster in recent years.

Cyclone Ditwah lashed the country last week, bringing widespread destruction that killed more than 400 people, left hundreds unaccounted for and destroyed 20,000 homes.

But the deluge has also sparked 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," he shares. "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 state of emergency has been announced.

The military has sent helicopters for rescue operations, while humanitarian aid is arriving from foreign governments and aid groups.

But it will be a lengthy process to rebuild for Sri Lanka, which has seen its share of difficulties in recent years.

Activists Pitch In at Community Kitchen

In a Colombo suburb, activists who protested in 2022 are now helping run a makeshift kitchen that churns out meals.

The demonstrations from three years ago were driven by a spiralling economic crisis that caused shortages of fuel, food and medicine. Public anger exploded and led to political change. Now, that civic energy is being directed toward disaster response.

"People came after work, some took turns and some even used vacation time 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 considers the kitchen as an "extension" of his community service in 2016, when torrential rain and floods killed hundreds across the country.

The team have gathered hundreds of calls for assistance, sent the information to authorities, and organized the delivery of food.

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

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 relief camps and see what is most needed in those areas.

Private companies have launched donation drives, while local television channels have started an campaign to provide food and essential items like soap and toothbrushes.

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

Opposition politicians have accused authorities of ignoring forecasts, which they say worsened the disaster's effects.

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

In affected communities, however, there remains a feeling of togetherness as people pick up the pieces after the floods.

"In the end, the satisfaction of helping someone else to save lives makes that exhaustion fade," the organizer wrote after putting in long hours at aid centers.

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