Amazon mobilizes disaster relief efforts after Venezuela earthquakes

SEATTLE — Amazon is mobilizing disaster relief in Venezuela following two powerful earthquakes that struck the country’s northern region, providing humanitarian aid, emergency supplies, and support to nonprofit organizations responding on the ground.

The company said the 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes, the strongest to hit Venezuela in a century, have killed hundreds of people and affected more than 6 million.

Amazon said its immediate priority is the safety of employees and partners, supported by its 24/7 emergency operations and employee relief fund, while it works with humanitarian organizations to assist affected communities.

“As the situation evolves, we remain committed to supporting our employees and the wider community affected by these devastating earthquakes. We will continue to work closely with community partners and humanitarian organizations for additional support in the coming weeks. We encourage everyone to prioritize safety and follow guidance from local emergency officials,” said Bettina Stix, director of Amazon’s Community Impact.

Amazon is donating to six nonprofit organizations that provide emergency assistance in Venezuela:

• Airlink
• American Red Cross
• International Medical Corps
• United Nations International Organization for Migration
• World Central Kitchen
• World Food Programme

The retailer is also coordinating the donation and delivery of emergency supplies, including blankets and hygiene products, through its global Disaster Relief hubs. The company said it will use its logistics network to deliver essential goods to nonprofit partners as Venezuela’s transportation infrastructure reopens.

Since launching its disaster relief program in 2017, Amazon said it has donated and delivered more than 26 million emergency supplies in response to more than 200 disasters worldwide. The company operates Disaster Relief hubs in six countries to enable rapid responses to earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters.