Tim Cook and Apple to donate to Spain after tragic floods

Apple CEO Tim Cook says the Cupertino company will donate to relief efforts in Spain following the tragic, catastrophic floods that hit the famed Valencia region.

After heavy rainfall hit Valencia, the region has suffered perhaps the deadliest floods in modern Spanish history. In just eight hours, more than a year’s worth of rain poured down, destroying bridges and buildings. So far, the death toll has risen to 158.

In response, Apple CEO says Tim Cook announced that the company would contribute to on-the-ground relief efforts to help affected communities.

This isn’t Apple’s first pledge for disaster relief; in recent months, the company has committed to multiple relief initiatives. In September, Apple pledged aid to support Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. Then in October, the company pledged an undisclosed amount of money to help those affected by Hurricane Milton.

What happened?

Flash floods in eastern Spain have led to the deaths of at least 158 ​​peoplewith rescue teams still searching for dozens of people missing in what could become one of Europe’s most tragic storm-related disasters in recent decades. The flooding followed an extreme weather event on Tuesday, when an unprecedented amount of rain – equivalent to a year’s worth – fell in eight hours in the Valencia region. Many lives were lost in the city of Valencia, including a local police officer and several others trapped in a garage. Residents in neighborhoods such as La Torre and nearby towns such as Paiporta suffered catastrophic losses, with some elderly and disabled people unable to escape in time. Criticism has arisen over the authorities’ response time and warnings. Local politicians and residents alike noted the lack of early warnings, suggesting that timely warnings could have saved lives.

The floods have caused serious damage to infrastructure throughout the region. Valencia’s Transport Minister reported that around 80 kilometers of roads were seriously damaged or blocked, and that the restoration of high-speed rail links between Valencia and Madrid will take weeks. Bridges, roads and agricultural lands were badly hit, and the damage to citrus plantations – a key export for Spain – could have an impact on the global market.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited the area and emphasized the priority of protecting lives amid ongoing storm threats. Meanwhile, communities have begun recovery work, with residents of towns such as Utiel, where the Magro River overflowed, beginning to clear mud and debris from their homes and streets.