The Dow Chemical Company announced an emergency fund in response to the widespread devastation caused by the recent Hurricane Harvey in Texas.

Texas is home to 12,000 Dow employees and contractors and, although the company, accounted for each of its employees, many were seriously affected by the storm.

As a result, the Dow Chemical Company and The Dow Chemical Company Foundation announced the allocation of $1 million to support immediate relief and long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts associated with the storm and its aftermath as well as support for the company’s employees.

Dow donated $100,000 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, $100,000 to Team Rubicon, and $200,000 to other local non-profit organisations assisting the region.

Dow is also matching employee and retiree donations up to $100,000 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

To support its employees, Dow is offering interest-free loans and temporary housing as needed. Communities impacted where Dow sites are located include Seadrift, Freeport, Texas City, Deer Park, Beaumont, Bayport, La Porte and Houston.

Andrew Liveris, Dow’s chairman and chief executive officer, said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire region, including our employees and the communities that we call home.”