Dear Lehigh CEE Community,
It is with a heavy heart that I bring to your attention the recent earthquake that has caused massive devastation in Turkey and Syria. As you all know, earthquakes are a common natural disaster in many regions around the world; this region where three tectonic plates of Arabia, Anatolia and Africa converge has experienced many devastating earthquakes in the past, but the latest one has been particularly severe, causing massive loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure.
We, as members of the Civil and Environmental Engineering community, extend our deepest sympathies to all those affected by this tragedy. We recognize the impact that this disaster has had on families, friends, and communities, and our hearts go out to all those who have suffered loss and hardship. In particular, many from Lehigh CEE family are among those that are personally and deeply impacted by this earthquake; you are in our thoughts and prayers, and we stand with you.
As conscientious members of this community, we have a unique responsibility to contribute to relief efforts and help rebuild the affected areas. I encourage all of you to come forward and offer your skills, knowledge, and resources to aid in this process. Whether it is through volunteering your time, donating money, or providing technical expertise, every contribution counts in making a difference in people's lives.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or ideas on how we can help. Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of those affected.
Best regards,
Shamim Pakzad
Professor and Chair
