Cyclone Catastrophe in Sri Lanka Awakens Volunteer Spirit
In the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which wreaked havoc across Sri Lanka, the country’s spirit of volunteerism has emerged stronger than ever. Over the last week, flooding and landslides triggered by the cyclone have claimed more than 460 lives, left hundreds missing, and damaged approximately 30,000 homes. The cyclone, described by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake as the most challenging natural disaster in Sri Lanka’s history, has also galvanized communities to take action.
Resilience in the Face of Disaster
Notable figures, like actor and musician GK Reginold, are taking to motorized fishing boats to deliver critical supplies like food and water to those in dire need. The main reason why I wanted to do this is to at least help them to have one meal, Mr. Reginold shares. With over one million individuals affected, aid efforts have been supported by both local volunteers and international humanitarian organizations.
Community Empowerment Through Volunteerism
In Colombo’s Wijerama neighborhood, activists who once protested against former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa are now dedicated to running a community kitchen that supplies food aid. Sasindu Sahan Tharaka, a social media activist, noted, “We reactivated the group as soon as we heard what was happening last Thursday.” Their efforts echo past challenges; he previously organized similar relief during devastating floods in 2016.
Volunteers are also actively utilizing online platforms to align donations with areas in need. Initiatives to create public databases for donations and aid distribution are thriving, allowing the community to come together efficiently. Furthermore, local businesses and media have organized donation drives to supply essential goods.
A Call for Unity Amidst Crisis
In light of the cyclone’s impact and the criticism surrounding government preparations, President Dissanayake has urged citizens to “set aside all political differences.” Despite political tensions, a remarkable sense of unity has been fostered among communities as they rally together to support one another.
Mr. Sahan encapsulates this sentiment on social media, stating, The joy of helping someone else to save lives makes that tiredness fade. Reflecting on the resilience of the Sri Lankan people, he adds, Disasters are not new to us. But the empathy and capacity of our hearts is greater than the destruction that occurs during a disaster.
As Sri Lanka begins the long journey toward recovery, the volunteer spirit continues to shine through, demonstrating the strength and compassion of its people in the face of adversity.