Message to the University Community on Earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria

Update – Feb 9, 2023

We continue to follow the tragic news emerging from Türkiye and Syria with sorrow. For those across our University of Toronto community who are moved and able to contribute to disaster relief, the Government of Canada will be matching donations made to the Canadian Red Cross between February 6–22.

People around the world are reacting with alarm and sadness at the news of devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria that have killed thousands of people and injured many more.

On behalf of the University of Toronto, I would like to express concern and sympathy for those here and abroad who are affected by this disaster. We are thinking particularly of members of our community who have family and friends in these areas, alumni living in the region, and colleagues and collaborators.

I encourage students to reach out to the following resources for support:

Personal support services

Academic support services and/or considerations

Faculty, staff and librarians may contact the Employee and Family Assistance Program at 1-855-597-2110.

The federal government, through Global Affairs Canada, provides emergency consular assistance to Canadian citizens abroad. Any Canadian members of our community who are travelling in the affected areas can access these services in the following ways:

  • Telephone: By contacting the nearest embassy or consulate, or by calling 011 613-996-8885 (collect calls accepted) or 00800-14-220-0149 (toll free Türkiye)
  • E-mail: sos@international.gc.ca
  • SMS: +1-613-686-3658
  • WhatsApp: +1-613-909-8881

Faculty and staff who registered with International SOS before travelling can also reach out to that service for emergency support.

U of T students abroad, both Canadian and international, can find resources here:  https://learningabroad.utoronto.ca/safety-abroad/in-an-emergency/. You can contact us 24/7. 

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed. Thank you for supporting one another during this difficult time.

Joseph Wong
Vice-President, International
University of Toronto


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