Beyoncé Pledges $1 Million to Aid Colombian Earthquake Recovery
Beyoncé is personally donating $1 million to support relief efforts in Colombia's Chocó region, which was struck by a 7.4-magnitude earthquake on Aug. 10. The funds will go toward food and housing supplies for the hardest-hit areas, according to Parkwood Entertainment. The quake killed at least 312 people and destroyed 29,000 homes, per the Associated Press.
The donation arrives as Chocó, one of Colombia's poorer regions, faces a lengthy recovery after the August 10 quake left hundreds dead and tens of thousands without shelter. Relief groups have prioritized distributing food and temporary housing materials to isolated communities where access remains difficult.
Beyoncé's pledge follows a separate commitment from Colombian artist Shakira, whose $1.25 million initiative — supported by Live Nation, FIFA's education fund, and CAF — focuses on rebuilding schools and restoring classroom access for children. Shakira stressed that prolonged school closures could jeopardize students' futures, highlighting education as a critical component of the region's long-term recovery.
This high-profile donation could draw renewed public attention to a disaster that may otherwise fade from international headlines. Celebrity contributions often inspire fans and corporations to give, potentially amplifying relief funding for an area where 69,000 people remain affected. The parallel efforts of Beyoncé and Shakira may also signal a growing role for entertain