The death toll from heavy rain in recent days in South Korea rose to 40, while nine others remained missing, relevant authorities said on Monday.

According to the central disaster and safety countermeasure headquarters, 40 people had been found dead in southeastern North Gyeongsang province and central Chungcheong province.

Heavy rain warnings were issued for the provinces; some areas recorded accumulated precipitation of more than 500 mm since last Thursday.

Nine people remained unaccounted for, including eight missing in the North Gyeongsang province.

The weather agency predicted up to 200 mm of additional rain by Wednesday in the central and southern regions.

It has increased the casualties across the country due to the flooding that also led to housing collapse and landslides.

Thirteen bodies had been recovered from vehicles trapped in a flooded underpass in the central town of Osong.

A total of 10,765 people from 16 cities and provinces were evacuated due to the downpour.

The number of damages to public facilities was 789 cases, which included the collapse of road slopes, road damage and destruction, mudslides and flooding.

Damages to private facilities were 352 cases, such as housing damages and collapse, submerged vehicles, damaged fishing boats and destroyed walls.

(Xinhua/NAN)