YouTube announced on Thursday that, in collaboration with its parent company Google, it is donating USD 15 million to support relief efforts and assist its creator community in the affected areas.
The funds will be directed through Google.org to several organizations, including Emergency Network Los Angeles, the American Red Cross, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, and the Institute for Nonprofit News. Additional recipients are expected to be announced soon.
“YouTube and Google are contributing $15 million to organizations via Google.org to provide immediate relief in LA in support of our creator community,” YouTube shared in a post on X.
Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, expressed his solidarity with the people of Los Angeles. In his own post on X, Pichai said, “To all of our employees, the YouTube creator community, and everyone in LA, please stay safe and know we’re here to support.”
The announcement comes as California secures additional federal funding to aid in the recovery from the wildfires. According to CNN, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved grants to assist with debris removal, road and bridge repairs, public utilities, and other infrastructure damaged by the fires.
Damage inspections from the Palisades Fire are approximately 30% complete, according to the governor’s office. However, no dates have been confirmed for reopening closed areas where recovery teams continue to work. Commander Christine Coles of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department stated during a Wednesday press conference, “We are in constant communication with relevant agencies to assess when repopulation will be feasible.”
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service has issued warnings of strengthening winds across Southern California, expected to peak between 3 am and 3 pm on Wednesday. These conditions could exacerbate the already dangerous wildfires, which have claimed at least 25 lives and left 24 others missing, according to Voice of America (VOA).
(Inputs from ANI)