ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — It’s been nearly a month since hurricanes Iota and Eta hit nearby areas in Central America.

Communities in the hardest hit areas of Nicaragua are cleaning up and working toward rebuilding. 

Sol Relief a local organization that helps with disaster relief, is collecting monetary donations.

They’re sending money to people like Chris Farrington and Pastor Earl Bowie to buy food, water and supplies for the people impacted most.

“The outstanding priority right now is food and water. And now we are looking at the next stage,” said Pastor Earl. 

“We got out of the boat to deliver the food packs there, you’re just walking around and seeing everyone. And it’s amazing everyone has great joy on their faces which is wild in the aftermath of a storm you see the resiliency of people. But just to see the houses torn up. It kind of takes your breath away,” said Farrington, who operates Open Hearts Nicaragua.

We asked Spectrum Bay News 9’s Chief Meteorologist Mike Clay if two major hurricanes have hit the same area within two weeks, like Eta and Iota did.

“Not really that we’re aware of but remember records aren’t that good and only go back about 100 years or so. But we have had things close. Just this year southwest Louisiana was hit by two hurricanes within a month,” said Clay. 

Clay says both storms were strong and produced heavy rains.

For more information about how to donate to Sol Relief, click here: