Tech companies jump to help hurricane victims

Connor James Ibbetson, Editor-at-large
@connoribbetson

Apple and Verizon have both helped with the relief effort following hurricane Florence.

Hurricane Florence was the first major hurricane of this years Atlantic hurricane season, measuring 400 miles diameter, with winds of 110 mph and delivering up tp 40 inches of rainfall.

The storm batted the east coast of the United States, including North Carolina where the storm made landfall earlier this week.

Aid charities have been hard at work with relief efforts, including emergency shelters, reducing those cut off by flood waters and clearing roads.

Now major tech companies have joined in on the efforts as well.

Apple, based in California, have donated $1 million to the American Red Cross, CEO Tim Cook said in a tweet.

“The Carolinas are in our hearts. To our employees there, first responders and everyone in Hurricane Florence’s path, please stay safe. To help those affected, Apple is donating $1M to the Red Cross,” he said.

It’s not unusual for Apple to open their pockets to charities, donating $5 million in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.

Verizon meanwhile, who not so long ago were criticized for their handling of providing internet to fire rescue services during wildfires, has said that its customers in the affected areas will not be charged for their service.