 
| October 27 - November 1, 1998 Central America was devastated by Hurricane Mitch, a Category 5 hurricane. It was one of the most destructive hurricanes in the recorded history of the western hemisphere. The United States Geological Survey (USGS), along with other Federal and International agencies, led an immediate and aggressive response effort providing humanitarian relief, reconstruction, and mitigation from high-risk areas. The USGS is now supporting major Hurricane Mitch Reconstruction activities. The objectives of the USGS program are to improve the availability of basic data and information; provide information for improved damage assessment, hazard mitigation, and management of natural resources; develop and distribute base maps, aerial photography, and satellite imagery from affected countries into an integrated, computer-based Geographic Information System (GIS) format; and develop regional strategies for mitigation, preparedness, and response to natural hazards. |