Dominican singer-songwriter Juan Luis Guerra has called on his followers to support a fundraising campaign led by Colombian musician Juanes to build sustainable housing for victims of a devastating earthquake.
The magnitude 7.4 tremor struck Colombia on August 10, causing widespread destruction, particularly in the western department of Choco.
Guerra, a multiple Grammy Award winner celebrated for popularising bachata and merengue music globally with his band 440, shared a video message on Instagram urging the Dominican community and his wider fanbase to donate to the cause.
His involvement adds one of the most recognised voices in Latin American music to a growing international appeal.
Speaking in the video, Guerra said he was joining his friend Juanes to support the creation of sustainable homes in Choco. He told followers that any donation would be a blessing for Colombians in need, adding a biblical reference that there is more joy in giving than in receiving.
The Living Tide initiative
The campaign, named Marea Viva, por el Choco de manana, is driven by Juanes and his non-profit organisation, Fundacion Mi Sangre. Juanes, born Juan Esteban Aristizabal, is one of Colombia's most prominent rock and pop artists.
He is known for his extensive philanthropic work through Fundacion Mi Sangre, an organisation he established to focus on peacebuilding and youth empowerment in a country marked by decades of conflict.
The Marea Viva initiative seeks to raise 15 billion Colombian pesos, equivalent to roughly 5 million dollars, to fund medium and long-term reconstruction efforts in the affected communities.
Rather than limiting assistance to immediate emergency relief, organisers plan to develop housing solutions adapted to the specific cultural and environmental conditions of Choco.
The region is characterised by dense tropical rainforests, immense river systems like the Atrato and San Juan, and some of the highest rainfall levels on the planet. These geographical realities require specialised approaches to architecture and infrastructure, as traditional building methods from other regions often fail in the humid, flood-prone environment.
The project will provide construction materials and technical assistance to families, alongside the training of local builders. The goal is to ensure that residents participate directly in the rebuilding process, advancing a sustainable recovery.
Earthquake toll and local impact
The August disaster left a massive human toll across Colombia. A magnitude 7.4 earthquake is considered a major seismic event, capable of causing widespread and severe damage, particularly in areas with vulnerable infrastructure.
According to figures from the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management, cited by the EFE news agency, the earthquake killed 331 people, injured 4,439 others, and left 240 individuals missing.
Hundreds of municipalities were affected nationwide, with thousands of homes damaged. In Choco, a department bordering the Pacific Ocean and Panama, 29 of its 31 municipalities suffered earthquake damage.
The disaster compounded existing structural difficulties in the region, which has long been one of the most historically marginalised areas in the country despite its vast natural resources.
Choco, whose population is predominantly Afro-Colombian alongside significant Indigenous communities, faces chronic challenges with access to paved roadways, often relying on rivers for transportation. Residents also struggle with a lack of clean drinking water and reliable energy grids.
Furthermore, the department suffers from a significant historical deficit in adequate housing, schools, hospitals, and basic sanitation infrastructure.
Celebrity and corporate backing
Guerra's endorsement broadens the international reach of an appeal that has already drawn support from a vast roster of international artists and Colombian athletes.
Other musicians backing the effort include Spanish pop star Alejandro Sanz, American reggaeton artist Nicky Jam, and Colombian pop singer Manuel Medrano.
They are joined by Goyo, a prominent singer who hails from Choco and frequently highlights Afro-Colombian culture and social issues in her work as part of the hip-hop group ChocQuibTown.
High-profile sports figures have also joined the call. Supporters include international footballers James Rodriguez, who won the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup, alongside national team veterans David Ospina and Jhon Arias.
Olympic athletes have also pledged their support, including two-time gold medal winning BMX rider Mariana Pajon and professional road racing cyclist Rigoberto Uran, a former runner-up at the Tour de France.
Promoters say the campaign has already secured commitments totalling 10 billion Colombian pesos from various personalities and organisations linked to the effort.
Among the major corporate pledges, the Colombian conglomerate Grupo Argos has announced a donation of about 1,000 homes for families who lost their houses to the earthquake.
Grupo Argos is a multinational holding company with major investments in the cement and energy sectors, giving it logistical capacity relevant to large-scale construction efforts.
Organisers are continuing to mobilise additional resources to reach their funding target. The Marea Viva campaign aims to ensure that solidarity efforts endure well beyond the first few months after the tragedy.
