Shakira reacted on Monday to a powerful earthquake that struck Colombia, posting a message of solidarity aimed at families facing hours of uncertainty and distress.
Colombia, she wrote on social media hours after the quake, her heart was with everyone who felt the earthquake and with the families going through moments of anguish.
The earthquake measured magnitude 7.4 according to the latest data from Colombia's Geological Service. Its epicenter was located near the municipality of San José del Palmar, in the department of Chocó, at a depth of roughly 96 kilometers.
The tremor was felt strongly across different regions of the country and caused damage to numerous buildings, particularly in parts of the Eje Cafetero region. Colombian authorities have had to assess the damage and deploy emergency response teams as information continues to arrive from affected areas. Several aftershocks have since been recorded, including one of magnitude 4.6.
Colombia declares national disaster
Colombia has declared a "national disaster" after officials reported at least 71 deaths from the earthquake, according to Agencia EFE.
In her message, the Colombian singer emphasized her compatriots' ability to come together in moments like these, saying that in times like this, Colombians know how to unite and support one another.
She closed her message by sending all her strength and love to her homeland, and called on people to stay united and attentive to official instructions so they can help as soon as possible.
Shakira's ties to Colombia
Born in Barranquilla in 1977, Shakira has never separated her public identity from her Colombian roots and has repeatedly used her wide reach to draw attention to problems facing her country.
That commitment took on an institutional form through the Pies Descalzos Foundation, which she created in the 1990s and which focuses on improving educational opportunities for vulnerable children and young people. Her philanthropic work has led her to regularly speak out on social issues affecting Colombia beyond her music career.
For now, the singer has called for caution and avoided turning her message into anything beyond an expression of solidarity while authorities determine the true scope of the earthquake. She said people should hug each other tightly and stay alert for instructions so they can help as soon as possible.
Her words came as Colombia began taking stock of a morning marked by fear. The earthquake was felt in major cities and forced thousands of people to leave their homes and buildings as a precaution, with material damage reported and inspections of infrastructure and buildings underway.
