The National Emergency Management Agency and the National Repairs and Reconstruction Unit have issued contracts for the rebuilding of homes on Crooked Island, San Salvador and Long Island, the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Joaquin in October 2015.

On Thursday and Friday, Captain Stephen Russell, Director of NEMA, and Melanie Roach, head of the NRRU, traveled to the islands to meet with local contractors and to issue their mobilization checks, materials distribution lists, building plans and building code manuals.

The government said the contractors come with a wealth of experience in the rebuilding processes following destructive hurricanes.

Of the approximately 1,122 homes damaged or destroyed during the passage of Hurricane Joaquin, NEMA has so far repaired over 200.

The organization has received an estimated $3 million in funds donated towards Hurricane Joaquin relief, and has already spent approximately $1.4 million.

— Dana Niland