Amazon ramps up Venezuela disaster response with aid airlift

SEATTLE — Amazon is expanding its disaster relief efforts in Venezuela following last week’s devastating earthquakes, preparing an Amazon Air mission to carry approximately 500,000 emergency supplies to support communities affected by the disaster.

The flight is scheduled to depart from Miami to Caracas on Friday and marks a significant expansion of the company’s response to the twin earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela.

The shipment includes diapers, sleeping bags, tarps, hygiene kits, first-aid supplies, medical equipment, generators, muck-and-gut kits, and other essential relief items. Amazon is also sending toys and coloring books to help create child-friendly spaces in emergency shelters.

The latest effort builds on Amazon’s previously announced support, which includes donations to humanitarian organizations and the use of its global logistics network to deliver emergency supplies to affected areas.

Amazon mobilizes disaster relief efforts after Venezuela earthquakes

“As the situation evolves, we remain committed to supporting our employees and the wider community affected by these devastating earthquakes,” said Bettina Stix, director of Amazon’s Community Impact.

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In addition to physical aid, Amazon has deployed technology to restore communications in disaster zones. The company said its rapid-response connectivity systems were delivered earlier this week to the nonprofit All Hands & Hearts to provide critical Wi-Fi for hospitals and emergency shelters.

Amazon said it also stands ready to provide hundreds of additional technology systems at no cost to nonprofit partners, including Footprint Project and ITDRC, to help deliver internet connectivity and power solutions where needed.

The company developed the portable connectivity technology after assessing needs in previous natural disasters, enabling nonprofit organizations and first responders to quickly establish communications infrastructure that would otherwise be costly and time-consuming to deploy.

Amazon said its immediate priority remains the safety of employees and partners, and it is working 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 supporting relief efforts by donating to six nonprofit organizations: Airlink, the American Red Cross, International Medical Corps, the United Nations International Organization for Migration, World Central Kitchen, and the World Food Programme.