Managua - At least 10 people died in heavy rains in the past 48 hours in Nicaragua, which also caused serious damage to housing and infrastructure in the Central American country, civil defence authorities said Friday in Managua.

Many rivers overflowed, and there were mudslides particularly in northern Nicaragua.

More than 2,500 people had to be lodged in emergency shelters, although rescue teams had not finished evacuating all those in need in flooded areas, so the figures were expected to rise further.

The people killed - including three children - died as they attempted to cross overflowed rivers in motor vehicles or on horseback. They were taken in the flow, which was also carrying trees, rocks and other debris. (dpa)