ANKARA 

The death toll from ongoing torrential rains and flooding in South Korea has risen to nine as five more people died, while two people are still missing as authorities evacuated thousands of people from flood-hit areas, the Yonhap News Agency reported on Saturday.

The latest four fatalities were reported in the Sancheong area of the South Gyeongsang province after a deadly landslide swept through homes in a local village, with two people still missing.

One person was killed in the Miryang area of the province when a driver was killed after his car was swept away by flood.

South Gyeongsang has been among the hardest-hit areas by recent downpours, with some parts receiving over 700 millimeters (27.6 inches) of rain between Wednesday and Saturday.

Weather officials have warned that up to 250 millimeters (9.38 inches) more rain could fall within the day, heightening fears of additional damage and casualties.

Authorities also issued evacuation orders in affected areas, and so far 7,029 residents have been evacuated to safe locations, according to the agency.

The torrential rains have flooded roads, caused landslides, and inundated homes nationwide.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid