Tim Cook and Apple to donate to Spain after tragic floodings

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

After intense rainfall hit Valencia, the region has endured what might be the most deadly flooding in modern Spanish history. In just eight hours, more than a year’s worth of rain poured down, devastating bridges and buildings. So far, the death toll has climbed to 158.

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


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

What happened?

Flash floods in eastern Spain have led to the deaths of at least 158 people, with rescue teams still searching for dozens missing in what could become one of Europe’s most tragic storm-related disasters in recent decades. The floods followed an extreme weather event on Tuesday when an unprecedented amount of rain – equal to a year’s worth – fell over 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 like La Torre and nearby towns, such as Paiporta, suffered catastrophic losses, with some elderly and disabled individuals unable to escape in time. Criticism has arisen over the response time and warnings issued by authorities. Local politicians and residents alike noted the lack of early alerts, suggesting that timely warnings might have saved lives.

The floods have caused severe damage to infrastructure across the region. Valencia’s Transport Minister reported that about 80 kilometers of roadways were either severely damaged or blocked, and high-speed rail links between Valencia and Madrid will take weeks to restore. Bridges, roads, and farmland were heavily impacted, and the damage to citrus farms – a key export product for Spain – could affect the global market.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited the area and emphasized the priority of safeguarding lives amid ongoing storm threats. Meanwhile, communities have begun recovery efforts, with residents in towns like Utiel, where the Magro River overflowed, starting to clear out mud and debris from their homes and streets.