Ukrainian health officials say 37 people have died from the severe cold spell that hit the country this month, according to The Associated Press.

Temperatures have dropped as low as minus-17 C (2 F).

The Health Ministry said Tuesday, Dec 18, that 190 people have sought medical help for hypothermia, of which 162 people have been hospitalized.

No health official would say how the deaths occurred, but victims in previous cold spells have been mostly the homeless and elderly people. Authorities have set up some 1,500 centers around the country to provide food and shelter.

The cold weather comes as heavy snowfall in the eastern European nation blocked key roads, leaving hundreds of cars stranded.