Shakira Visits Quibdó After Earthquake in Colombia and Secures $1.25 Million for School Reconstruction

Colombian singer Shakira arrived in Quibdó, the capital of Chocó, to see firsthand the aftermath of the 7.4-magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale that struck Colombia on August 10. The tremors claimed around 300 lives and destroyed entire towns.

Accompanied by Howard Buffett, the son of billionaire Warren Buffett, Shakira presented a plan to rebuild damaged educational institutions. The project is being carried out by Fundación Pies Descalzos, the foundation she established, in partnership with Live Nation.

“I will devote all my personal efforts to this project. My commitment is concrete. We have already raised $1.25 million to begin this reconstruction process,” Shakira said.

The artist warned that survivors may not receive adequate assistance once the emergency phase ends.

“We cannot allow our children to be unable to return to school,” she said, calling for greater support for the affected communities of Chocó.

Shakira said that Colombia owes this region a “historic debt.” At the end of her visit, she expressed her condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the earthquake.

“To the parents who have lost their children, I say that I have no words to express what they are going through. Your pain will not be forgotten,” the singer said.

The visit took place as the affected areas continue to deal with the consequences of the disaster and the urgent need to restore infrastructure, particularly schools where affected children need to return.