UPDATE - Heavy rains in China cause 9 deaths, 17 missing

UPDATES DEATH TOLL; CHANGES HEADLINE, DECK, LEDE

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - At least nine people were killed and 17 others remain missing due to heavy rains in China, state media reported.

Heavy rains have pounded south and southeastern China since Sunday.

Authorities in coastal province of southeastern Guangdong province reported five deaths while 15 others are missing.

Eastern Fujian province witnessed heavy rains since Sunday afternoon, resulting in four deaths, while two others are missing.