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University Notices
Bill Bryson Library at night

Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria 

Last updated 21 February 2023

We are deeply saddened by the devastating earthquakes in Southern Turkey and Northern Syria. The scale of the loss is profound.

We offer condolences to all those who have lost loved ones. Our thoughts are with people who may be struggling to contact friends and family as the situation continues to unfold.  

Students and staff who have been affected by these events can access support in a number of ways: 

Support for students 

  • In the first instance, please contact your College’s Student Support Office. Staff within the Colleges are here to help you and, where possible, to answer any queries you may have. They can also signpost you to other support services available.
  • The Counselling and Mental Health Service can provide emotional support to students. Most students are referred to the service via the Student Support Office in Colleges. Students can also self-refer via the Counselling webpages.
  • Our chaplains are available to students of all faiths, beliefs and worldviews and provide a non-judgemental listening ear.
  • Students requiring financial assistance can find out more about options available to them, as well as advice and guidance, via our webpages.
  • Students can also access support from Durham Students’ Union and its societies.

Support for staff  

For those wishing to make a donation, several charities have started emergency appeals, including the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC).  

We work with the Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA) and have made a contribution to CARA’s Syria Programme, which has been supporting Syrian academics in exile since 2016. The earthquakes have had a huge impact on the members of this vulnerable community in south-eastern Turkey. CARA is working to support almost 150 participants and their families as they seek safety and shelter, with support from the higher education community.

More information on the University’s response to humanitarian crises, support available and opportunities to help can be found on our Humanitarian Crises and Conflicts webpages.  

Comment and analysis from our academic researchers is available to read here.