Shakira is joining a growing list of Colombian celebrities sending love, prayers and offers of help to their homeland after a devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, August 10.
The powerful earthquake hit near San José del Palmar in Colombia's Chocó region and was felt across several major cities, including Cali, Pereira, Quibdó and Manizales. Tremors were also reported beyond Colombia's borders in Ecuador and Panama.
© AFP via Getty ImagesAs rescue crews continue searching damaged and collapsed buildings, the death toll has continued to change rapidly. Early reports counted at least 111 fatalities, while updates Tuesday morning put the number significantly higher. Página/12 reported at least 169 deaths and 600 injured.
Against that devastating backdrop, some of Colombia's biggest names in music and entertainment are using their enormous platforms to rally around those affected.
© AFP via Getty ImagesShakira reacts to Colombia earthquake with emotional message
Shakira shared a message on Instagram Stories following the earthquake, addressing her native country directly. "Colombia querida, mi corazón está con todos los que hoy sintieron este terremoto y con las familias que están pasando momentos de angustia," she wrote, which translates to: "Dear Colombia, my heart is with everyone who felt this earthquake today and with the families who are going through moments of anguish."
The Barranquilla-born singer continued by emphasizing the strength Colombians have historically shown during difficult moments.
© Shakira"In moments like these, we Colombians know how to come together and support one another," she wrote before sending "all my strength and love for my land." She also encouraged people to follow official instructions so they could help as soon as possible.
Sofía Vergara tells Colombia: "You are not alone"
Shakira wasn't the only internationally recognized Colombian star speaking out.
Sofía Vergara also shared a message accompanied by an image of the Colombian flag. The actress said she deeply felt the pain facing her country and specifically addressed people who had lost loved ones as well as families still searching for relatives.
© Sofia Vergara"You are not alone," Vergara wrote, adding that Colombians would help and pray for those affected and expressing confidence that the country would move forward. For Vergara and Shakira, both of whom were born in Barranquilla and built global careers while maintaining strong ties to Colombia, the messages quickly became part of a much larger celebrity response.
Maluma promises help for Colombia earthquake victims
Maluma went beyond expressing his grief and indicated that information about ways to help would be coming.
The Medellín-born singer wrote about the pain of seeing what was happening in Colombia and sent his support to the families of victims. He said he was ready to help and that he planned to share ways people could assist those most in need.
© Anadolu via Getty Images"VAMOS COLOMBIA," he added, calling for strength and unity at a moment when the country needs both.
The emphasis on concrete assistance has emerged in several celebrity responses as rescue operations continue and the extent of the destruction becomes clearer.
J Balvin says it's time to act
J Balvin also reacted to the Colombia earthquake, sending strength to affected families before signaling that he intended to get involved with relief efforts.
The reggaeton star wrote that it was time to move quickly to help with the situation.
Camilo waits for information on how to help
Camilo offered a more personal glimpse at the emotional aftermath.
The singer said the full magnitude of the losses was still unknown and described feeling shaken after speaking on the phone with friends who told him what they experienced during the earthquake.
© AFP via Getty ImagesHe said he was waiting to learn the best ways to help and invited people to send him information and calls to action through his direct messages.
Sebastián Yatra similarly posted that he was thinking about Colombia and everyone affected, stressing the importance of Colombians remaining together during the crisis.
Ryan Castro offers personal support to earthquake victims
Ryan Castro was another Colombian artist who quickly responded.
The singer posted several messages to Instagram Stories, saying he hoped followers and their families were safe. He later offered to personally participate in efforts supporting victims, telling Colombians to help one another "as a family" and saying people could count on him however he could contribute.
© AFP via Getty ImagesCarlos Vives and Fonseca were also among the Colombian musicians reported to have publicly expressed solidarity following the disaster.
How powerful was the August 10 Colombia earthquake?
The 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia near San José del Palmar on August 10. Reports cited the U.S. Geological Survey as placing the earthquake at a depth of approximately 107 kilometers.
The quake damaged communities across western Colombia, with Cali, Pereira and Manizales among cities reporting serious impacts. Rescue teams have been searching through rubble while officials continue assessing collapsed and damaged buildings.
© AFP via Getty ImagesEarly reporting indicated approximately 1,600 buildings had been damaged, with people trapped beneath debris. The Colombian Geological Service described it as the country's strongest recorded earthquake of the 21st century, according to reports citing the Associated Press.
© AFP via Getty ImagesAftershocks have added another layer of concern as search-and-rescue operations continue. With rescue operations still underway and casualty figures continuing to change, the full impact of Colombia's deadly earthquake remains unclear.
