For the south devasted by the tornadoes in the United States, Apple CEO Tim Cook has expressed grief for their losses and announced donations to support the relief efforts in the affected regions.
On December 11, 2021, tornadoes tore through the U.S Midwest, and South and more than 100 people are reported to have died. Series of Tornadoes leveled houses and businesses to the ground, and rescue teams are finding survivors crushed under the rubble.
Apple will be donating to support relief work in six states hit by 30 tornadoes in the U.S
Once again, Apple has shown its social responsibility by providing financial support to restore the livelihoods, and rescue lives of people in six states hit by 30 tornadoes. The “quad-state” tornado which ripped through Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, and Kentucky is called the longest continuous tornado in American history and has claimed over 70 lives. According to Reuters, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said:
The collection of tornadoes was the most destructive in the state’s history. He said about 40 workers had been rescued at the candle factory in the city of Mayfield, which had about 110 people inside when it was reduced to a pile of rubble. It would be a “miracle” to find anyone else alive under the debris, Beshear said.
“The devastation is unlike anything I have seen in my life and I have trouble putting it into words,” Beshear said at a press conference. “It’s very likely going to be over 100 people lost here in Kentucky.”
In his message on Twitter, Mr. Cook extended emotions and financial support for the affectees.
Our hearts go out to all those affected by the devastating weather and tornadoes across the South and Midwest. Apple will be donating to support relief efforts on the ground.
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) December 11, 2021
Earlier this year, Apple donated to assist relief and recovery work in Haiti when it was struck by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in August. The natural disaster shook Saint-Louis-du-Sud in the southwest part of the country and caused over 12,00 fatalities and more than 5,700 casualties. And announced donations for relief efforts in Germany, Belgium, and other Western European countries that were affected by devastating floods with the estimated death toll in hundreds.
The collection of tornadoes that caused havoc in the Midwest and South are being called a rare occurrence because tornadoes do not hit this late in the year. Therefore, the recent extreme weather conditions call for more environmental measures to mitigate the impact of global warming and climate change like Apple’s commitment to achieving 100% carbon neutrality by 2030.
