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In the fall of 1998, Hurricanes Mitch and Georges struck Central America and the Caribbean. The storms left thousands dead and many more homeless; damages were estimated at more than $10 billion. The United States and other donors initially responded by providing emergency relief, such as food, water, medical supplies, and temporary shelter. In May 1999, the international donor community pledged $9 billion to assist in the recovery and reconstruction of hurricane affected countries in Central America. Also, in May 1999, the Congress passed emergency supplemental legislation that, among other things, provided $621 million for a disaster recovery and reconstruction fund for the affected countries as well as reimbursement funds to U. S. government departments and agencies for costs incurred during the immediate relief phase. The U. S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and numerous other U. S. departments and agencies used this funding to implement disaster recovery and reconstruction activities. In discussions with congressional staff, USAID agreed to complete the program and expend the supplemental funds by December 31, 2001.