Inpatient admissions at Polgahawela Hospital have been temporarily suspended after a landslide triggered by flooding associated with Cyclone Ditwah, hospital authorities said.

A mound of earth collapsed from Hospital Hill, damaging one ward at Polgahawela Hospital and the official residence of the District Medical Officer, according to District Medical Officer Duminda Alvis.

He said inpatient treatment would remain suspended until the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) completes an inspection of the hospital premises and issues its recommendations. At present, the hospital is continuing outpatient services, including patient consultations and the dispensing of medicines only.

The NBRO inspection is expected to be carried out within the next few days, Alvis added.