The recent devastating earthquake in Turkiye and Syria is a humanitarian crisis that is touching all corners of the globe – more than 36,000 lives have been claimed by this tragedy, and the death toll continues to rise.

Times of crisis can spark many emotions – from feelings of helpless, to a strong desire to offer assistance.

Flinders PhD student Guler Kocak has been personally affected by the devastation in her home country and is urging the Flinders community to not just offer immediate support to those in need, but to apply their minds to finding innovative responses to natural disasters.

Her heartfelt plea is shared here in full.

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Dear Flinders students and staff,

I am writing this article in hopes to find people who share the same feelings and thoughts with me and who are waiting to be heard.

I’d like to call all of you to help to the people in Turkiye and Syria in their need of urgent support due to the massive earthquakes. 

I believe the best way to live in this world is to leave a great legacy for humanity. For this reason; great minds, scientists, researchers, teachers, and accomplished innovators always are remembered with utmost respect and appreciation even after hundreds of years. They still continue to help us for our well-being and further evolution and development.

We need to find more creative ways to help if the problems are extremely difficult. It is the young minds, state-of-the-art technologies and their innovators that will help victims the most in these times. They can find the easiest and most resourceful ways to organize, collaborate, overcome the obstacles set by anything and anyone, even if it’s the nature. 

You could be one of these by finding solutions to disasters, and their effects on people and environment, supporting people in urgent need, and helping them in any way you can. 

Please HELP!

No time to wait!

Thank you so much!

Guler Kocak

PhD Student

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Immediate support for humanitarian efforts can be made to international aid organisations such as the Red Cross, Caritas, World Vision, Care Australia, or other reputable agencies.

Flinders’ International Student Services is providing support to affected students. If you know of students needing assistance from ISS, or counselling services, please refer them as follows:

• International Student Services– Flinders International, Level 1 Professional Services Building – call 8201 2717, drop in between 9am and 5pm or email iss@flinders.edu.au to make a time to see an International Student Advisor (ISA)
• Counselling Services– Level 2, Student Centre – please email counselling@flinders.edu.auwith your name, ID number and contact phone number in the Subject line and explain your concerns in the email. For after hours, call 1300 512 409 or text 0488 884 103
• OASIS– Humanities Road, Bedford Park – please email oasis@flinders.edu.au with your name and ID number if you would like to speak with one of the chaplains.

Meanwhile, events such as this can also have a toll on staff and their families. Should you or someone you know be affected please remember Flinders University’s  employee assistance program offers counselling and support services to help those experiencing grief and trauma.