Christian leaders in Sri Lanka have launched an emergency relief effort as the death toll from Cyclone Ditwah and widespread flooding rose to more than 330, with hundreds still missing and tens of thousands forced from their homes.

The National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (NCEASL) announced an “Emergency Flood Relief Appeal” this week, saying pastors, Christian workers and churches are among those hit hard by one of the country’s worst weather disasters in years. The storm triggered deadly mudslides, washed away homes and cut off entire communities, according to government and media reports.

More than 20,000 homes have been destroyed and at least 108,000 people have sought shelter in state-run camps, the Disaster Management Centre said. Officials reported that about a third of the country is without electricity or running water after a state of emergency was declared. Evacuation orders remain in place in several districts as water levels continue to rise along the Kelani River.

NCEASL said churches across affected regions were reporting significant damage, including displaced congregations and church buildings impacted by floodwaters and gale-force winds. In a statement posted to Facebook, the alliance said Cyclone Ditwah “devastated communities across Sri Lanka, displacing families and severely impacting pastors, Christian workers, and churches.”

The group is distributing emergency assistance to 500 affected pastors and Christian workers, providing LKR 30,000 (about $100) relief packs containing food, dry rations and hygiene supplies. “Each USD 100 Emergency Pack provides essential, life-sustaining support for a pastor and their household, enabling them to stabilise their own situation and continue serving their congregations and communities,” NCEASL said.

Some of the worst-hit areas include Kandy and Badulla, where dozens of villages remain cut off due to landslides. Survivors described growing desperation as access to food and clean water dwindled. 

Cyclone Ditwah brushed Sri Lanka’s eastern coast on Friday before moving offshore, but it left behind severe flooding during the height of the monsoon season. Officials noted that although the island regularly experiences heavy rains, disasters on this scale are rare. The worst flooding this century occurred in 2003, when 254 people were killed.

The government has appealed for international aid and urged Sri Lankans abroad to support relief efforts as rescue operations continue and more rain is forecast.