Tim Cook pledges Apple donations after 30 tornadoes ravage southern U.S.

As it often does during major emergencies, Apple is stepping into the situation by providing resources. In a tweet late on Saturday, Cook confirmed Apple would be doing so once again.

"Our hearts go out to all those affected by the devastating weather and tornadoes across the South and Midwest," Cook wrote. "Apple will be donating to support relief efforts on the ground."

More than 30 tornadoes have passed through at least six U.S. states since late on Friday, affecting Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, and Tennessee. The tornadoes, which caused damage to buildings across the states, leading to a death toll expected by officials to exceed 80 people.

One of the worst-hit places was the Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory in Kentucky on Friday night, with approximately 110 people in the location at the time, reports CNN. The fear that dozens of people may have died in that incident alone had Governor Andy Beshear believe the overall state toll to be more than 70, and could top 100.

"The level of devastation is unlike anything I have ever seen," said Beshear. "There's at least 15 feet of metal with cars on top of it, barrels of corrosive chemicals that are there, it will be a miracle if anybody else is found alive in it."

U.S. President Joe Biden said he would be traveling to the region and stating that the federal government would be assisting the states, including deploying the National Guard where appropriate. Biden also approved a federal emergency declaration for Kentucky.

Apple has a history of donating to relief efforts shortly after they occur. In October, Cook promised that Apple would donate to help communities recover from severe flooding in northern China, while in August, Cook said donations would also go to relief efforts following Hurricane Ida.

Cook doesn't state the value or what exact form such donations would take, but they usually include a donation of funds to relevant organizations.