Support for those suffering from the consequences of the earthquake in Morocco and Storm Daniel

The earthquake in Morocco and Storm Daniel raging in the Mediterranean area have caused a lot of worry and concern for the people in the countries impacted but also for members of the Aalto community who have relatives and friends in these countries. They now need understanding and support from the university and the whole community. Aalto University will contact and offer support those Aaltonians who are nationals of the countries impacted.

If you need support in dealing with the crisis

Should you face any problems or questions arising from the situation at work or during your studies, please write to [email protected]. A multi-professional team will read and treat all messages from students and staff on a confidential basis. 

Staff: 

• The staff may also contact occupational health care or the HR Services of their school or unit. 
• Mielen Chat and Mielen Sparri (Mental Chat & Sparring): a low-threshold support service provided by occupational health care, where you can discuss anonymously with an expert and, when needed, receive further referral. 
• You can turn to Aalto chaplains whether it is a personal matter related to your own life or a crisis affecting the community more broadly. Aalto chaplains are available to all members of the Aalto community, regardless of religion or outlook on life. 
• Versatile occupational health care services are listed under wellbeing at work index. 

Students: 

• Students may contact the learning services of their school. 
• Starting Point of Wellbeing drop-in-service for Aalto-students for short-counselling and advice on where to get more support when needed, eg. students can meet with study psychologist online (Tuesday till Friday) from 10 to 11. In case a joint-discussion together with other students’ might be needed, you can contact study psychologist [email protected]. 
• You can turn to Aalto chaplains whether it is a personal matter related to your own life or a crisis affecting the community more broadly. Aalto chaplains are available to all members of the Aalto community, regardless of religion or outlook on life.  
• Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS) for bachelor's and master's degree-students. 
• HelsinkiMissio Youth Crisis Point offers short term counselling also in English for young people (under 30). 

How can I help earthquake victims?

According to Unicef's estimate, the earthquake affects the lives of approximately 100,000 children. The UN estimates that there thousands of victims of storm Daniel, which washed away several residential areas in Libya and caused destruction in several countries. 

Many people want to help those who are suffering. Financial aid should be directed to established, experienced and reliable aid organisations that have experience in how to work together with the authorities and other aid organisations in crisis situations. They have storage space, distribution channels and networks through which help can reach its destination. 
 
Aid organisations also know best what kind of material aid is most needed in the destination, and through established organisations the money will most certainly reach its destination.

Punainen Risti (Finnish Red Cross) 
Web: you can help by donating to disaster relief fund 
Phone: call 0600 12220 (20.28 € + local network charge) 
SMS: send SPR to number 16499 (price per message 15 €) 
Mobilepay: number 10900 
Bank transfer: OP FI52 5000 0120 4156 73 (recipient: Red Cross, reference number 5186)

Unicef 
Web: help keep children safe by donating 
SMS: message AUTA15 to number 16110 (price per message 15 €). 
Mobilepay: number 24155 

Pelastakaa Lapset (Save the Children Finland) 
Web: help and shelter for children under crisis  
MobilePay: number 20061 

Doctors Without Borders (Finland) 
Web: help by donating