Relief efforts for Hurricane Harvey: Apple and Airbnb

Hurricane Harvey which has been responsible for floods and increased rainfall has continued to largely impact Houston with multiple deaths and property damage. Various companies have teamed with each other to offer relief through many online portals.

Apple, with American Red Cross has created an online store link on iTunes for donations. Donations can be made in increments of $5, $20, $25,$50,$100 or $200. The money raised will go to American Red Cross in aiding the relief efforts which are already in process. Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, took to twitter to announce the efforts as damage continues to be reported in areas affected by Hurricane Harvey. Apple had previously opened donation pages for the Mediterranean refugee crisis, typhoon relief in the Philippines and for the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Airbnb, the leading private accommodation provider, has opened its doors for people in the areas impacted by the storm. This was a part of the Hurricane Harvey evacuations and will last through September 1.

According to Kellie Bentz, Airbnb Head of Global Disaster Response, "Our thoughts continue to be with everyone in the path of the storm, and we thank the dedicated government and emergency response personnel who are keeping our communities safe.”

The storm is expected to cause rainfall of 40 inches in the area leading to excessive flooding. It is expected to be the worst storm in the United States since 2005.