As images and news of shelling and airstrikes continue to pour in from Aleppo, Syrian refugee families in Ottawa wait nervously for any updates from loved ones still trapped in the Syrian city.

Alia Alheso resettled in Ottawa with her husband and children in February, leaving behind her parents and seven of her nine siblings in Syria. One of her brothers is still in Aleppo with his wife and one-month-old child.

Speaking Wednesday morning at her children's school bus stop on Donald Street, Alheso said that morning she finally received an update from her brother, after days without any news.

"He got a voice message through to me," said Alheso. "He said 'We are OK. But we are surrounded by dangers.'"

Alheso said it's very difficult knowing her family and friends are living with a shortage of food, electricity, and the constant threat of explosions.

Syrians leave a rebel-held area of Aleppo towards the government-held side on December 13, 2016 during an operation by Syrian government forces to retake the embattled city. (Karam al-Masri/AFP/Getty Images) "What can I say? I wish all of them could come to Canada," said Alheso.

Sleepless nights while waiting for news

Fawaz Mohamed, another refugee standing at the school bus stop Wednesday morning, is also anxious for news from Aleppo, where he has four sisters and two brothers.

Speaking through a translator, Mohamed told CBC he hasn't heard from any of them all week, and he's now having trouble sleeping at night.

Like many people trying to reach residents in Aleppo, both Mohamed and Alheso are using a combination of Facebook and WhatsApp to communicate with relatives in Syria.

Samer Qadri, president of Syrian Association Relief Aid, said Wednesday his agency is helping Syrians in Ottawa connect with relatives in Aleppo, by assisting them in using the apps and programs, and by asking his agency's contacts in Aleppo to check in on particular family members.

Qadri is also putting together an effort to collect and send help to the region.

"We want to organize some aid, clothes, for people when they cross the border into Turkey. At least something," said Qadri.