Beyoncé Pledges $1 Million to Colombia Earthquake Relief Efforts
Beyoncé donates $1 million for food and housing in quake-hit Chocó, Colombia, where 312 died and 29,000 homes were destroyed.
Singer Beyoncé has announced a personal donation of $1 million to support relief efforts in Colombia following the devastating earthquake that struck the Chocó region on August 10. The funds, confirmed through a press release from Parkwood Entertainment, will be directed toward providing food and housing supplies to the areas most affected by the 7.4-magnitude tremor.
The donation comes as the region grapples with a severe humanitarian crisis. At least 312 people lost their lives in the earthquake, and nearly 29,000 homes were destroyed. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, around 69,000 people in Chocó have been affected or displaced by the disaster.
Beyoncé's contribution adds to a growing wave of support from the music industry. Colombian pop icon Shakira has committed $1.25 million to help rebuild schools in the affected areas. Her pledge includes $500,000 from the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a matching $500,000 from Live Nation, and an additional $250,000 from CAF.
In a statement, Shakira emphasized the importance of restoring normalcy for children: "Schools are more than buildings. They give children the stability and routine they need most after a disaster. That's why we're making an initial $1.25 million commitment to help rebuild schools and get children back into their classrooms. Chocó is not alone. Colombia is not alone. And we will keep going."
Other artists have also stepped up. Karol G donated $1.2 million to earthquake victims through her foundation, while the Colombian band Morat announced they will contribute a portion of ticket sales from their Bogotá residency to the relief cause.