Tech giant Apple and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates have pledged support to the ongoing relief work in flood-ravaged Kerala.
While Apple will contribute Rs 7 crore, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has announced that it will donate an amount of $6,00,000 (Rs 4.2 crore) to strengthen relief and rehabilitation efforts in Kerala.
“We’re heartbroken by the catastrophic flooding in Kerala. Apple is donating Rs. 7 crore to support the life-saving work Mercy Corps India and the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund are undertaking to support survivors, help those who have been displaced and rebuild homes and schools,” the Cupertino-based company said in a statement.
The iPhone maker has also added support banners to its home page, along with App Store and iTunes Store, allowing customers to donate to Mercy Corps.
“We have also activated a donation button on iTunes and the App Store so customers who wish to donate to Mercy Corps’ efforts can do so easily,” Apple said.
Apple often uses the iTunes Store and App Stores to raise money for donation during major disasters. Apple customers can donate $5, $10, $25, $50, $100, or $200 to Mercy Corps using credit and debit cards.
Several other companies have also come forward to help the victims in other ways. E-commerce companies such as Amazon, Flipkart, Big Basket and Zomato have tied up with various NGOs to help in the ongoing relief work while search giant Google has made available a Person Finder tool to help find missing people in Kerala. Paytm started accepting donations for the CMDRF and collected over Rs 30 crore.
Kerala is battling its worst flood in last 100 years. As per the official records, since August 8, over 231 people have died and more than 10 lakh have been displaced.
