Tech companies responded to the devastating earthquake by sending supplies to affected regions in Turkey and Syria.
Three tech giants, Google (Google) – Get a free reportApple (AAPL) – Get a free reportand Amazon (AMZN) – Get a free reportHe said he sent resources to help tens of thousands of people in Turkey and Syria affected by the February 6 earthquake as rescuers try to find survivors as the death toll climbs to more than 5,000.
Emergency aid has been sent globally to assist with the rescue efforts and for the survivors of the magnitude 7.8 earthquake. Rescuers searched overnight for survivors in subzero temperatures the night of the quake under huge amounts of rubble from collapsing buildings.
Humanitarian efforts reach the area as the damage has been widespread.
Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, tweeted on February 6 that the tech company will offer “relief and recovery efforts.”
“Thinking of everyone in Türkiye and Syria who are experiencing devastating losses after the earthquakes. We activated SOS alerts to provide relevant emergency information to those affected, and@Googleorgand Googlers will support relief and recovery efforts,” he said.
It is not known if Google has employees in any country or region. Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Amazon will ship items ranging from tents to baby food and medicine to Turkey and the surrounding region, CEO Andy Jassy tweeted.
“Tragic news from Turkey and the surrounding region,” he said. “We are activating Amazon’s fulfillment and delivery network to quickly get donated relief items such as blankets, tents, heaters, food, diapers, baby food and medicine to those in need.”
The shipment of donated supplies will be delivered starting Wednesday, the company reported.
amazon has a disaster relief unit called Disaster Relief by Amazon (DRbA), and will work with other local relief organizations such as Red Crescent, the company said in a blog post.
“We are preparing to ship donated relief items from our fulfillment center in Istanbul to affected areas,” Amazon said.
“This immediate delivery is just the beginning of Amazon’s response,” Abe Diaz, head of Amazon’s disaster relief program, said in a statement. “Over the next few days, we will work with local organizations and disaster relief groups to identify needs on the ground and use Amazon’s logistics and delivery network to meet them.”
Amazon said it has nearly 2,000 employees in Turkey. The company does not have facilities in the areas affected by the earthquake.
“Our local leaders spent Monday making sure staff and their families were safe and cared for,” Amazon said in a statement. “We are committed to continuing to leverage our infrastructure, inventory and equipment to provide the relief that is needed.”
Apple CEO Tim Cook said the company would also be involved in sending supplies to help affected areas as cold temperatures remain a major factor, but he did not provide details.
“We send our thoughts and condolences to the people of Turkey, Syria and anyone affected by the devastating earthquakes. Apple will be donating to relief and recovery efforts,” he tweeted.
Apple did not immediately respond to a request about whether the iPhone and Macbook maker had employees in the region or what or when donations would be sent.
