South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung told public officials on Tuesday to "spare no effort" in the search for missing people and on damage recovery after days of torrential rains left a trail of destruction in various parts of the country.

As rescuers search for the missing under the rubble, thousands of evacuated villagers face the daunting task of rebuilding their homes.

At least 19 people are dead, 9 smissing after torrential rain, flooding and landslides ravaged South Korea forcing thousands to be evacuated as its president declared a special disaster.