Canada’s response to the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria
On February 6, 2023, Central and Southeastern Türkiye were hit by a series of earthquakes ranging from magnitudes of 6.8 to 7.8. There is significant damage to infrastructure and thousands of casualties in Türkiye and Syria.
Canada continues to monitor the situation and remains in close contact with Turkish authorities and humanitarian partners to assess and respond to evolving needs.
On this page
- Travel advice and advisories
- Emergency contact information for Canadians
- How Canada is helping
- How Canadians can help
- News
- Related links
Travel advice and advisories
Emergency contact information for Canadians
Canadian citizens in Türkiye who need emergency consular assistance can contact the Embassy of Canada in Ankara or the Consulate of Canada in Istanbul.
Canadian citizens in Syria who need emergency consular assistance can contact the Embassy of Canada to Lebanon, in Beirut; however, the ability of the Embassy of Canada to Lebanon to provide consular and other support throughout Syria is extremely limited. Canadians in Syria and their relatives seeking information can also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
At any time, Canadians may also contact Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre:
- Telephone: +1 613-996-8885 (collect calls are accepted where available).
- Email: sos@international.gc.ca
- SMS: +1 613-686-3658
- WhatsApp: 613-909-8881
- via Telegram at Canada Emergency Abroad
We strongly encourage Canadians in Türkiye and Syria to sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive important information about the crisis.
How Canada is helping
Canada has invested in a responsive UN-led humanitarian system, including through longstanding support to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund and the UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) capability. This has contributed to the rapid scale up of assistance in response to the earthquakes, including through the deployment of two UNDAC teams on February 6 to help coordinate relief efforts on the ground, and the release of a $50 million CERF allocation.
Canada is also an important contributor to the humanitarian response in Syria, having provided $49.7 million in 2023 to UN, Red Cross and NGO partners to respond to needs. This support has enabled partners on the ground to rapidly pivot their operations to respond to needs resulting from the earthquakes.
In the immediate aftermath of the earthquakes, Canada rapidly responded to increase its support. On February 7, 2023, Canada announced $10 million in funding to help humanitarian partners provide life-saving services, including emergency medical services and shelter, food and other essential items.
On February 8, 2023, Canada announced that it will match donations to the Canadian Red Cross Earthquake in Türkiye and Syria Appeal, up to a maximum of $10 million. The full amount in donations has been matched. Funds raised will support the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in its response to the humanitarian needs caused by the earthquakes.
On February 24, 2023, Canada announced an additional $20 million in funding to help support a range of critical humanitarian activities and a timely, effective and coordinated humanitarian response in both Türkiye and Syria. Canada also announced that it will match $10 million in donations to the Humanitarian Coalition and its partners. These funds will help deliver life-saving services, such as emergency food, cash and vouchers, as well as necessary water, sanitation and health services.
Canada also deployed a Canadian Disaster Assessment Team (CDAT) to the areas affected by the earthquakes in Türkiye. The CDAT assessed the situation on the ground and provided recommendations for additional Canadian humanitarian support.
How Canadians can help
Canadians are encouraged to make monetary contributions to reputable humanitarian organizations instead of sending goods. This have been found to be the fastest, most efficient and cost-effective way to get help to people living in a disaster zone. Learn more about assistance for disasters abroad.
News
- 2023-02-24 - Canada provides new humanitarian assistance in response to earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria
- 2023-02-08 - Canada to match up to $10 million in donations from Canadians in response to earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria
- 2023-02-07 - Canada provides humanitarian assistance in response to earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria
Related links
- Canada-Türkiye relations
- Canada-Lebanon relations
- Doing business in Türkiye
- Doing business in Syria (served by the Embassy of Canada to Jordan)
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