On Monday, Shakira joined the wave of solidarity for those affected by a catastrophic 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck northwestern Colombia, resulting in over a hundred fatalities and significant destruction.
The renowned singer from Barranquilla took to her Instagram stories shortly after the tremor to share a heartfelt message with those impacted and urged Colombians to unite during one of the country's most trying times.
"Dear Colombia, my heart is with everyone who felt this earthquake today and with the families enduring distressing moments. In times like these, Colombians know how to come together and support one another," the artist expressed on her social media platform.
She further added, "Sending all my strength and love to my homeland. Let's hold each other tightly and stay informed so we can assist as soon as possible."
Shakira's words came as emergency teams raced against time amid collapsed buildings and ravaged homes to find survivors and tend to the injured.
The earthquake, centered in the municipality of San José del Palmar, Chocó, occurred at 7:34 a.m. and was felt across vast areas of Colombia, including Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Manizales, Pereira, and Barranquilla, as well as parts of Ecuador and Panama.
According to the Colombian Geological Service, it was the most powerful earthquake recorded in the country in the past decade.
The Growing Impact of the Disaster
As hours passed, the enormity of the tragedy became increasingly apparent.
President Abelardo De La Espriella, who had taken office merely three days before the disaster, announced during a press conference at the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management that the death toll had risen to 111, with 87 injuries reported.
The material damage is substantial: 1,575 homes sustained damage, 37 were destroyed, 61 buildings collapsed, 18 health centers were damaged, 52 educational institutions were affected, and six airports ceased commercial operations.
Pereira emerged as one of the most severely impacted cities by the earthquake.
The uncertainty over the final number of victims remains high. The U.S. Geological Survey issued an orange alert through its loss estimation system, predicting a likely scenario of 100 to 1,000 fatalities and a 20% chance that the toll could exceed a thousand.
Community and International Support
Shakira was not alone in her public reaction to the tragedy. Fellow Colombian musicians, including Maluma, J Balvin, Camilo, and Manuel Turizo, also shared messages of solidarity on social media, expressing their willingness to find ways to help those affected.
While Shakira has not yet announced a specific financial contribution to the victims in Colombia, her message suggested a readiness to engage in relief efforts by encouraging people to stay informed and prepared to assist "as soon as possible."
In the meantime, the Colombian government declared the disaster a national emergency and established a Unified Command Post to coordinate emergency operations.
The United States, Mexico, and Ecuador offered assistance, with Ecuador deploying 47 rescuers accompanied by specialized dogs and technical equipment to aid in the search for individuals among the debris.
The death toll continues to be updated as emergency teams gain access to the most affected areas of the Coffee Axis and Valle del Cauca, where collapsed structures and missing individuals remain a pressing concern.
Understanding the Aftermath of the Colombian Earthquake
How many people were affected by the earthquake in Colombia?
The earthquake resulted in over a hundred fatalities, with 111 confirmed deaths and 87 injuries. Additionally, there was substantial damage to infrastructure, including homes, buildings, health centers, and airports.
What actions have been taken by the Colombian government?
The Colombian government declared the earthquake a national disaster and set up a Unified Command Post to manage emergency operations. They have also received international assistance from countries like the United States, Mexico, and Ecuador.
How did Shakira respond to the earthquake?
Shakira expressed her solidarity and support through social media, urging Colombians to unite and stay informed to help affected individuals. She has not announced any specific financial aid but indicated a willingness to assist in relief efforts.