×
Shakira

Shakira makes surprise Colombia visit, helps raise $1M for earthquake relief

Portrait of Edward Segarra Edward Segarra

USA TODAY
Updated Aug. 18, 2026, 6:23 p.m. ET

Shakira is giving back to her home of Colombia, following a deadly earthquake that has rocked the South American country.

The Latin pop superstar, who was born in Barranquilla, announced that she has helped raise over $1 million in relief efforts to help rebuild schools in the Chocó region after a 7.4-magnitude tremor hit on Aug. 10.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, an estimated 10.5 million people were impacted by the quake. Multistory buildings and homes tumbled, trapping residents underneath. As of Sunday, Aug. 16, the death toll has climbed to approximately 290, with more than 140 people still missing and 4,200 injured, per official estimates.

Shakira appears onstage for the 2026 World Cup halftime show announcement during the Global Citizen and FIFA World Cup panel at the Global Citizen NOW event in New York City on May 14, 2026.

In addition to the fatalities, the natural disaster has decimated Chocó’s school infrastructure, according to Shakira’s announcement. Nearly 200 schools are reportedly damaged following the quake, and 40 facilities were completely destroyed.

“To the parents who lost their children, words are not enough,” Shakira said in a statement. “All I can offer is my heart and the promise that their pain will never be forgotten.”

The Grammy-winning singer, whose children’s charity Fundación Pies Descalzos (Barefoot Foundation) has a decadeslong history in Chocó, partnered with Global Citizen’s FIFA Education Fund and Live Nation to raise funds. Each organization has pledged to donate $500,000 toward disaster aid. CAF, Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, donated an additional $250,000, bringing the total to $1.25 million.

Live Nation is the sponsor behind Shakira’s latest tour, the globe-trotting Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour.

Shakira makes surprise visit to Colombia after devastating earthquake

The “Hips Don’t Lie” songstress visited Quibdó, the capital of Chocó, on Monday, Aug. 17, to survey the damage and meet with government officials to discuss the earthquake’s impact.

Shakira visits destroyed areas after a 7.4 earthquake in Quibdo, Colombia, on Aug. 17, 2026.

Aside from raising money, Shakira announced during her visit that she will be leading rebuilding efforts for the Universidad Tecnológica de Quibdó, which serves as Chocó’s main public higher education institution.

“These past few days, I’ve watched my country suffer, but I’ve also watched people come together with the resilience and solidarity that has always defined us,” Shakira said in a statement. “Schools are more than buildings. They give children the stability and routine they need most after a disaster. … Chocó is not alone. Colombia is not alone. And we will keep going.”

Contributing: Jeanine Santucci and Marc Ramirez, USA TODAY; Reuters

Featured Weekly Ad

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/entertainment/

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Author

seoexperts1994@gmail.com

Related Posts

See Shane and Ilya get romantic in ‘Heated Rivalry’ deluxe edition | Exclusive

BOOKSBooks and LiteratureSee Shane and Ilya get romantic in 'Heated Rivalry' deluxe edition | Exclusive Clare MulroyUSA TODAYAug. 18, 2026, 10:00 a.m....

Read out all

Law Roach uses 3 words to describe Zendaya’s wedding dress

STYLEZendayaLaw Roach uses 3 words to describe Zendaya's wedding dress Amaris EncinasUSA TODAYAug. 17, 2026Updated Aug. 18, 2026, 4:16 p.m. ETLaw Roach...

Read out all

Kaitlin Olson tearfully recalls filming ‘Hacks’ while her father was dying

TVKaitlin OlsonKaitlin Olson tearfully recalls filming 'Hacks' while her father was dyingOlson earned an Emmy nomination for the 'Hacks' performance that her...

Read out all

Behind the scenes of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood comes to YouTube Kids

More VideosSee neighbor recall hearing EMS with Hayden PanettierePresident Trump threatens military action against OmanDid you buy recalled jalapeno products in Philadelphia?AI...

Read out all

Bobby Flay shares sweet tribute to chef girlfriend Brooke Williamson

CELEBRITIESBobby FlayBobby Flay shares sweet tribute to chef girlfriend Brooke Williamson Amaris EncinasUSA TODAYAug. 17, 2026Updated Aug. 18, 2026, 8:17 a.m. ETBobby...

Read out all

Hayden Panettiere ‘was struggling’ on final movie, costar says

MOVIESHayden PanettiereHayden Panettiere 'was struggling' on final movie, costar says Brendan MorrowUSA TODAYUpdated Aug. 18, 2026, 4:24 p.m. ETHayden Panettiere was "struggling"...

Read out all