Tropical Storm Bolaven kills 16 in South Korea

At least 16 people have been killed by Tropical Storm Bolaven in South Korea which pummelled the country with torrential rain and strong winds as it travelled along the coast.

Authorities said the storm made landfall in North Korea and China on Tuesday after travelling north over the cooler waters of the Yellow Sea.

The maritime police said that six Chinese fishermen have been confirmed dead and nine are missing after two boats capsized in stormy waters off the southern tip of the South Korean mainland.

Searches for those left unaccounted for will continue throughout the day while another 10 people were killed in other separate incidents which also left two people injured.

Bolaven has been forecasted to move north-northeast through North Korea and should decrease in strength  as it passes over land on Wednesday evening.

Hundreds of thousands of households lost power as the storm disrupted transport, electrical supply and damaged property throughout South Korea.

The South Korean Central Disaster Relief Headquarters said that by Wednesday, 34,000 homes still had no electricity while 16 roads remained closed up until this morning.

Travelling has also been affected with the cancellation of numerous flights, suspension of nearly 100 ferry routes and 27 roads which have been temporarily closed.