Apple CEO, Tim Cook vows help for relief, rebuilding and recovery efforts to typhoon Odette victims

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The World’s Giant Tech Company offers support to Typhoon Odette onslaught provinces in the Philippines

Apple CEO Tim Cook announced on Tuesday that the company will provide relief and recovery assistance to victims of Typhoon Odette in the Philippines.

Apple Inc., according to Cook, has pledged to contribute to long-term rebuilding efforts in Odette-affected communities.

“Typhoon Rai has caused so much devastation in the Philippines and Malaysia — so many families have lost so much. Apple will be contributing to relief, recovery, and longer-term rebuilding efforts. #OdettePH,” the Apple chief said in a Twitter post.

Odette is the 15th typhoon to make landfall in the Philippines this year. It made landfall on Siargao Island on December 16 with sustained winds of 160 mph and an intensity level of Category 5 or TWC Signal 4.

At 12:40 p.m., it left the Philippine area of responsibility. Residents of Siargao Island, Palawan, Cebu City, Southern Leyte, Bohol, and the CARAGA regions were left fighting for survival amid widespread flooding, severely damaged properties, and power, food, and internet outages on December 18.

According to the Inquirer, the death toll has risen to 375, based on data from the Philippine National Police (PNP). Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture reported that agricultural damage totaled P362.3 million.

This isn’t the first time Apple, the world’s largest tech company in 2021, has sent aid to typhoon-ravaged areas of the Philippines.

In November 2013, Apple launched an iTunes donation system to benefit the American Red Cross’ relief efforts for Typhoon Yolanda victims. According to the company, each transaction was reflected on the donator’s credit card statement as an iTunes Store transaction and was not tax deductible.

Apple has not disclosed how it is carrying out its relief operation for Typhoon Odette, but it is certain to go a long way toward assisting the affected areas in recovering from this adversity.