At least 37 people have been killed and 32,000 others evacuated due to recent floods triggered by heavy rainfall in Nicaragua, emergency authorities said on Monday.

Floods have hit 57 cities in 10 provinces in Nicaragua since May. In addition, 4,300 houses were damaged and tens of thousands of people were displaced.

Most of the 37 fatalities were swept away while trying to cross overflowing rivers. The heavy rain and thunderstorms also caused power outages in some areas.

Government officials said lifeboats and grain reserves have been sent to the hardest-hit areas.

Forecasters said the country will be hit by more heavy rains and thunderstorms in the coming days.