Amazon Will Expand Atlanta's Disaster Relief Hub

GEORGIA — Amazon announced its doubling the size of its Global Disaster Relief hub in Atlanta to help those affected by natural disasters.

The news comes as Wednesday marked the official Atlantic Hurricane season. Amazon said the company will donate more than one million emergency relief items, increased logistics support and double storage space in the hub.

The location of the disaster relief hub in Atlanta will allow Amazon to quickly respond to hurricanes and other natural disasters in the southeastern U.S., along the Gulf Coast, and in the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico, the company said.

“Over the past year, the Amazon disaster relief hub has allowed us to deliver aid to communities impacted by disasters faster than ever before,” said Abe Diaz, Amazon’s disaster relief lead in a statement. “We’ve utilized Amazon’s expertise in global logistics and delivery to provide help to those in need—quickly.

The 2022 hurricane season, which started June 1, is forecast to see between 14 and 21 named storms, with six to 10 of those storms expected to reach hurricane strength, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The one million emergency relief items will include shelter materials, hygiene supplies, medical equipment, cleanup and repair materials, and toys and household items for children, announced Amazon.

Partners include Save the Children, the American Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, International Medical Corps, World Central Kitchen, SBP USA, MedShare, All Hands All Hearts, and others.

“Marty and I have been alongside first responders and emergency management personnel when disasters hit the Peach State, so we know firsthand how critical it is for resources to be made available quickly and efficiently,” said Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp in a statement. “We’re proud that Amazon is continuing to build out their humanitarian aid network from right here in Georgia. The Global Disaster Relief hub will continue to have a positive impact, and we’re grateful for this good corporate citizenship in times of great need.”