Colombian stars Shakira, Maluma and J Balvin have appealed for emergency aid after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, leaving over 100 dead.
The morning quake had its epicenter near San Jose del Palmar in the department of Choco, causing severe damage and leaving dozens of people injured across central and western regions of the country.
Tremors were felt strongly across major cities including Cali, Pereira, Quibdó and Manizales, where structural collapses and damage to infrastructure were reported. Emergency teams continue search and rescue operations to locate possible survivors trapped beneath fallen buildings.
In response to the growing crisis, prominent entertainment figures turned to social media to express solidarity with victims, support affected families and call on the public to remain united.
Shakira and J Balvin Call for Unity
Grammy-winning pop icon Shakira, who was born in the coastal city of Barranquilla, was among the first artists to address the disaster. She said her heart was with everyone who felt the earthquake and with families going through moments of anguish.
She called for unity across the country and urged Colombians to stay attentive to instructions from authorities so help could be delivered as effectively as possible. She added that she sent all her strength and love to her homeland during the emergency.
Reggaeton star J Balvin also shared a message of support on social media, encouraging affected residents and families to remain strong. He added that he was prepared to mobilize and contribute directly to ongoing relief efforts.
Maluma and Camilo Offer Direct Assistance
Latin music artist Maluma expressed sorrow over the tragedy, offering a soulful embrace to relatives of the victims and stating he was ready to assist.
The Hawái singer later updated his Instagram stories with verified information on official aid channels, making it easier for his followers to send financial support to displaced families.
Pop singer Camilo revealed he had spoken with close contacts who experienced the earthquake, leaving him deeply shaken. He described the event on Instagram stories as terrifying and painful, and expressed interest in identifying specific emergency needs so he could contribute effectively.
Singer Sebastián Yatra also declared his solidarity with affected communities, accompanying his online statement with yellow, blue and red hearts representing the Colombian national flag.
International Relief Efforts and Ongoing Search
Support for disaster relief also crossed international borders as singer Ricardo Montaner offered assistance through his charitable organization. The artist made the social media profile of his foundation, The House Project, available to channel donations for families who lost their homes in the tremor.
Salsa star Marc Anthony also spoke out about the tragedy in Colombia, joining the broad wave of public support. Social media platforms operated throughout the early hours of the emergency as vital channels for reassuring victims, sharing emergency information and raising aid.
Emergency responders, local authorities and citizens are currently working to assist the communities hit hardest by the earthquake. Severe damage in several cities has kept much of the country on alert, while difficult access and disrupted communication lines continue to complicate rescue operations in remote areas. Authorities warned that the death toll could increase as rescue teams reach the most isolated locations.
