Amazon shared how it's helping victims of the latest earthquake in Japan. The e-commerce giant confirmed this effort on Thursday, Jan. 4, saying that its teams in the Asian country are already working together to support affected communities.
The American retailer announced that it already packed tens of thousands of relief goods for those affected by the tremor. But, Amazon said that this is just the start of its effort as it will still continue assisting victims in any way it can.
An employee prepares a package for shipment at the Amazon logistics center in Suelzetal near Magdeburg, eastern Germany, on Mai 12, 2021. - The US online sales giant opened a new warehouse in Saxony-Anhalt in August 2020.
Japan is prone to earthquakes and natural disasters because it is located in the "Ring of Fire"; a tectonic belt of earthquakes and volcanoes.
On New Year's Day, Jan. 1, a magnitude-7.6 earthquake happened in the country, affecting thousands of residents. Now, Japan needs all the help it can get to recover from this natural disaster.
Amazon Shares How It Helps Japan Earthquake Victims
Amazon said that its teams are now working to support workers and communities affected by the latest earthquake, which killed over 60 individuals, as well as injured more than hundreds of residents.
According to Bloomberg, the latest earthquake's hardest hit was Wajima, a city in Ishikawa prefecture with more than 23,000 civilians. It is popular for its fishing port on the Sea of Japan, as well as for its lacquerware.
"Within hours of the January 1 earthquake, the Amazon Disaster Relief team started coordinating with international and local aid groups to provide needed support and supplies," said Amazon via its official press release.
Amazon said that it already opened two Japanese Disaster Relief Hubs. These hubs are responsible for sending essential supplies, such as baby formula, diapers, food, water, and blankets.
"These hubs are dedicated spaces in Amazon fulfillment centers that are used to store ready-to-ship essential items," added Amazon.
The American retailer further stated that its Japanese Disaster Relief Hubs will make it possible for essential goods to be sent to impact communities within hours of a natural disaster.
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Amazon Readies Over 30,000 Relief Goods
The Amazon BOS27 Robotics Innovation Hub in Westborough, Massachusetts on November 10, 2022. - Nothing is a matter of chance at Amazon. The robotics laboratory of the US e-commerce giant is developing the automation of its distribution centers around the world.
The e-commerce giant said that its Amazon Disaster Relief teams already completed packing more than 30,000 relief items. It said that some of these goods were distributed in Suzu City just two days after the earthquake.
Amazon explained that it sent the relief goods to Suzu City since 90% of its infrastructure was destroyed by the strong tremor. The retailer promised that this is just the start of its relief efforts in Japan.
Aside from delivering Amazon-donated products, the company also activated an employee-giving campaign to assist employees across the globe in donating to relief efforts.
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