When natural disasters strike anywhere in the world, Cisco and our employees have been quick to respond with support for relief and recovery efforts.
- Snowstorms in China: Massive storms hit 19 eastern and southern provinces in China in January 2008, killing 80 people, destroying more than 300,000 homes, and resulting in direct economic losses of about 80 billion yuan ($11 billion). The Cisco Foundation matched Cisco employee contributions for a combined total of $700,000 yuan (approximately $100,000) to rebuild medical stations in the area. The funds went to the Red Cross Society of China and the China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation.
- Cyclone in Myanmar: On May 2–3, 2008, Cyclone Nargin caused catastrophic destruction in the heartland of Myanmar (Burma). At least 84,500 people were killed, more than 53,800 are still missing, and about 2.4 million were severely affected. Damage has been estimated at $4 billion, with 450,000 homes destroyed. Cisco created a customized campaign, with an aggregate match allowance of $1 million, involving six disaster response partners: ARC International Disaster Relief Fund, CARE, Doctors Without Borders, Friends of the World Food Program, Save the Children, and UNICEF. A total of $323,619 has been pledged by Cisco employees, the Cisco Foundation, and Morgridge/Tosa Foundation matches as of July 31, 2008.
- Earthquake in China: On May 12, 2008, a magnitude 8.0 earthquake struck Sichuan Province, China, causing major damage and loss of life. As of July 2008, more than 69,000 fatalities have been recorded, approximately 18,000 people are still missing, and over 374,000 have been injured. Millions of people were made homeless. Cisco, Cisco Foundation, and Cisco employees have contributed more than $2.6 million to relief efforts as of July 31, 2008. Cisco is contributing additional funds through the Cisco China Public-Private Partnership.
“We have been deeply moved by the unwavering courage and resilience of the Sichuan people, as well as the leadership demonstrated by national, provincial, and local governments in the face of this tragic natural disaster. Cisco has always had a strong culture of social responsibility, and we believe it is our duty to assist in the redevelopment efforts.”
—John Chambers
Cisco Chairman and CEO
- Wildfires in Southern California: Fires raged across the region in October 2007, killing 20 people, destroying more than 2400 homes and buildings, and burning more than 600,000 acres of land. In November 2007 the Cisco Foundation gave $250,000 to Save the Children to help in the psychological recovery of underserved children affected by the disaster. Cisco also deployed a Network Emergency Response Vehicle to the area, providing first responders with wired and wireless voice and data, outbound fax, video teleconferencing, streaming national news to the desktop, and interoperable police and fire radios.
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