MANAGUA, Oct 20, 2008 (Xinhua via COMTEX News Network) -- At least 17 people have been killed and some 11,000 people affected by torrential rains in Nicaragua in the last three weeks, the national system for disasters prevention (Sinapred) said Monday.
According to Sinapred, 37 municipalities were affected by rainfall and flooding between Sept. 24 and Oct. 17.
"The rainfall has triggered landslides and water level rises in rivers," said Sinapred, adding 388 houses and four bridges were destroyed.
The Transportation Ministry reported that heavy rains have left 250 km highway and rural roads destroyed and 2,000 km of the public thoroughfare network damaged.