WASHINGTON -- U.S. Marines are scheduled to deploy to Honduras to assist authorities there in potential hurricane disaster response efforts and local construction missions, Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Steve Warren said May 11.

Speaking with Pentagon reporters, Warren discussed the deployment of Marines to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.

"About 200 Marines will deploy to Honduras from June to November to coincide with the hurricane season, during which time they could be called upon to provide disaster relief in the region," the colonel said.

In addition to hurricane response, Warren said the Marines will assist in construction and restoration projects in the country.

*Construction of Roads, Schools *

"Those Marines will also provide engineering assistance for projects in Honduras to include the construction and rehabilitation of roads and schools," he said.

"As with all exercises of this type," Warren said, "the Department of State and U.S. Ambassador were consulted in every step, and approved this deployment, as did the government of Honduras."

The department's announcement comes after U.S. Pacific Command announced yesterday the name of its humanitarian disaster relief operation that's assisting Nepal in the wake of the magnitude-7.8-earthquake that struck there April 25.

In a news release, Pacom noted efforts, led by Joint Task Force 505, have been designated Operation "Sahayogi Haat," which means "Helping Hand" in Nepali.