The death toll from heavy rainfall in South Korea has risen to 17. Eleven people are still missing. Authorities are continuing search and rescue efforts.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety released the figures as of 5 p.m. on Sunday. It says the tally covered the five-day period from Wednesday.

Torrential rain swept across much of South Korea over the past several days, causing damage primarily in mountainous areas in the country's south and north.

South Korean media reported that Sancheong in South Gyeongsang Province saw about 800 millimeters of rain over a 5-day period starting Wednesday.

The reports said the downpours triggered flooding and landslides, with 10 people confirmed dead and four others missing as of Sunday evening. They also said the disaster forced more than 2,000 people to evacuate from their homes.

Reports from Gapyeong in Gyeonggi Province say two people were killed and five others are missing after heavy rainfall destroyed houses and swept away a vehicle on Sunday morning.

nhk