Sri Lanka, Oct. 27 -- As torrential rains lash Sri Lanka, health experts are sounding the alarm over a surge in waterborne diseases.

Senior Consultant Physician Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama told the Daily Mirror that diseases such as dengue, leptospirosis, hepatitis A, typhoid, and diarrhoea could spread rapidly as rainwater contaminates drinking water sources and creates ideal conditions for mosquitoes to breed.

He said the rainy season greatly increases the risk of several serious illnesses, with dengue fever posing a major threat.

"Flooded and stagnant areas become perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes. At the same time, floodwater can mix with urine from infected animals, leading to the spread of leptospirosis, or 'rat fever,'" Dr. Wi...