Shakira Arrives in Colombia’s Choco to Help Earthquake Victims
The Colombian singer Shakira arrived in Quibdo, the capital of Choco, this Monday, one week after the earthquake that struck Colombia and had its epicenter in San Jose del Palmar, in this department. The artist traveled to one of the poorest and hardest-hit regions of the country to learn firsthand about the needs of affected families and visit some of the places impacted by the emergency.
The visit is particularly significant because of Shakira’s connection to education and social work. The artist arrived accompanied by American philanthropist Howard Buffett and initially headed to the Carrasquilla Industrial Technological School, one of the department’s main educational institutions. There, she was welcomed by children and local authorities, including Chocó Governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba.
Shakira Arrives in Colombia’s Choco to Help Earthquake Victims
Shakira arrived in Quibdo with the aim of visiting affected areas and directly observing the conditions in which communities were left after the earthquake. The singer also visited educational institutions, some of which were affected by the seismic event, and spoke with residents of the region.
Her arrival came as Choco continues to face the consequences of an emergency that has hit particularly hard in a department that has historically suffered from high levels of poverty and infrastructure challenges. According to reports from the governor’s office, at least 13 people have died in the department, while thousands of residents were affected and around 1,300 homes sustained damage.
Buffett’s presence alongside the singer also has a humanitarian aid and reconstruction component. The American philanthropist has maintained ties with Colombia for years and has supported social and infrastructure projects in different regions of the country. His relationship with the Pies Descalzos Foundation dates back to 2008, when he began supporting initiatives to build schools.
“Beloved Colombia, my heart is with everyone who felt this earthquake today and with the families who are going through moments of anguish. In times like these, Colombians know how to come together and support one another. All my strength and love to my homeland,” said the Barranquilla-born singer.
During her visit, Shakira spoke directly about the need to continue supporting affected communities. The singer acknowledged that there is no simple way to ease the pain caused by a tragedy of this magnitude, but said her presence seeks to become a long-term commitment.
“There is no way to ease the pain of so many, but there is a commitment to be here and not abandon Choco, as it has historically been abandoned,” the artist said during her visit to Quibdo. She also described the department as a place she loves and expressed her intention to stand by its residents during this particularly difficult time.
The visit is also connected to the work Shakira has carried out for years through her Pies Descalzos Foundation, particularly in education. The singer has focused on children affected by the emergency and on the need to restore as soon as possible the school facilities that were damaged.
Solidarity and action: US$1M to rebuild schools
During her visit to Choco, Shakira announced that she had raised $1 million to support the reconstruction of educational institutions affected by the earthquake. The artist explained that the funds will be directed toward the recovery of schools and that her team will continue working to expand the assistance.
“This week we have been able to raise US$1 million that we will be able to allocate and channel toward the reconstruction of schools,” she said. She explained that Live Nation, one of her partners, will contribute an additional US$500,000 to strengthen the initiative.
The announcement makes the singer’s visit more than just a symbolic gesture. Her arrival in Choco seeks to once again draw attention to a region facing enormous social needs and that, following the earthquake, requires resources to rebuild homes, schools, and basic infrastructure.
Hours after the August 10 earthquake, Shakira had already publicly expressed her solidarity with the victims. “Beloved Colombia, my heart is with everyone who felt this earthquake today and with the families who are going through moments of anguish,” she wrote on social media at the time. She also highlighted Colombians’ ability to come together in the face of tragedy.
One week later, the singer moved from a message of support to a physical presence in one of the hardest-hit areas. In Quibdo, alongside authorities, communities, and representatives of her foundation, Shakira encountered an emergency that is still far from over.
Her commitment, as she made clear during the visit, is now focused on ensuring that the reconstruction of schools and the recovery of Choco’s children are not pushed aside once media attention on the earthquake fades.