On 6 February, devastating earthquakes and aftershocks hit south-eastern Turkey – with the epicentre in the Turkish province of Kahramanmaras – and north-western Syria. The death toll is currently estimated at over 40,000, with around 80,000 injured. In both countries, countless homes have been destroyed and there is hardly any infrastructure left – a disaster of inconceivable proportions.

On behalf of the Rectorate of Paris Lodron University Salzburg, I would like to express our sincere condolences and deep sympathy for all those affected. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this incomprehensible suffering, especially those PLUS students and staff who live or have family and/or friends living in the affected area. We should all make a small contribution to alleviating this immeasurable disaster with a personal donation. Reputable aid organisations that accept donations include  unicef,  Ärzte ohne Grenzen,  Nachbar in Not or  IFRC.

Students of Turkish and Syrian origin at the PLUS whose families have been affected by the earthquake and who are therefore no longer able to pay their tuition fees or have other financial problems can contact the H.A.U.S. association (Humanitarian Actions of the University of Salzburg) for support. This association assists PLUS members in financial emergencies and would be delighted to accept any donations to support their efforts.

Hendrik Lehnert, on behalf of the PLUS Rectorate Team