A 7.4-magnitude earthquake shook Colombia during the morning of this Monday, August 10, and left a deep shock across various regions of the country. Shakira, born in Barranquilla, expressed solidarity with the affected families and shared an emotionally charged message on her social networks.
The seismic event was registered at 7:34 a.m. (local time), with its epicenter near San José del Palmar, in the Chocó department, and at a depth of approximately 107 kilometers, according to the United States Geological Survey. The earthquake was felt across much of the Colombian territory and also reached areas of Ecuador and Panama.
So far, the official balance indicates at least 111 dead and 87 injured, while search-and-rescue operations continue in the most affected areas. Severe damage to homes, buildings, and other structures was reported, especially in cities such as Pereira, Cali, Manizales, Quibdó, and Armenia.
Given the scale of the tragedy, the Colombian government activated an emergency operation and declared a disaster situation to speed up the response and aid to the affected communities.
Amid the turmoil, various public figures expressed their solidarity with the Colombian people. Among them was Shakira, who decided to use her social networks to accompany those going through this difficult moment.
Shakira’s Message After the Earthquake in Colombia
The singer, hailing from Barranquilla, shared a message addressed especially to the families who suffered the consequences of the earthquake.
“Dear Colombia, my heart is with all those who felt this earthquake today and with the families going through moments of distress,” she began.
Then, the artist highlighted one of the traits historically associated with the Colombian people in the face of difficult situations: the ability to come together and support one another.
“In moments like these, Colombians know how to unite and support one another. All my strength and love go to my homeland. Let us hug tightly and stay attentive to the instructions so we can help as soon as possible,” she stated.
The message was shared by Shakira on her social media, where she also circulated information related to recommendations and safety measures to keep in mind during a seismic event.
The Dramatic Account of an Argentine During the Earthquake in Colombia
Among the testimonies that began to emerge after the quake was that of Gabriel Mónaco, an Argentine who was with his wife on the 25th floor of a tower in Medellín.
In an interview with TN, Mónaco described how he endured the tremor and stated that, although he had experienced other earthquakes since living in Colombia, he had never endured one of such intensity. “My wife started praying; we didn’t know what to do,” he recounted.
As explained, the couple quickly sought a safe place and ended up taking refuge in the apartment’s wardrobe while they waited for the movement to end. During those minutes they kept their phones with them and stayed there until the situation calmed.
The couple later confirmed that the building did not show visible structural damage, though fear of aftershocks led them to leave the apartment on the 25th floor. “I’m shaking, but I’m alright,” Mónaco said after the earthquake.
Together with his wife, they went to her parents’ home, where they could stay away from the building and begin to process what they had just lived through.
The testimony reflects the confusion and fear that many people experienced during the minutes when the earthquake shook various areas of Colombia.
As search, rescue, and aid operations continue, the country remains on alert for possible aftershocks and in view of the scale of damage caused by one of the strongest seismic movements recorded in Colombia in recent decades.
