A major earthquake struck Colombia on Monday, shaking the country with a magnitude of 7.4, according to the Colombian Geological Service. The tremor occurred at 07:34 local time, with its epicenter located in the municipality of San José del Palmar in the department of Chocó, at a depth of 103 kilometers. The quake has left more than 200 people dead, over 300 injured, and thousands displaced, with Pereira among the hardest-hit cities. This earthquake marks the strongest recorded in Colombia this century. In response to the disaster, several prominent Latin American artists have joined forces to support relief efforts. Karol G, Miguel Bosé, Maluma, Sebastián Yatra, Silvestre Dangond, and others will perform at a solidarity concert scheduled for August 23 in Bogotá. The event, titled "Voces por la Vida," will take place at the Vive Claro venue, the largest in Colombia. All proceeds from the concert will be donated to Presentes Corporation, which is working on reconstruction efforts in the affected areas. Karol G’s participation will be via livestream, in collaboration with her foundation, Con Cora, which focuses on empowering women and vulnerable communities. The list of confirmed performers includes a wide range of artists such as Grupo Niche, Andrés Cepeda, Draco Rosa, Bonka, Daniel Habif, Eladio Carrión, Galy Galiano, Hamilton, Juan Duque, Juliana, Laura Pérez, Maisak, Manú, Manuel Medrano, Pedro Capó, and Timo. Organizers emphasized that all participants are contributing their time and resources voluntarily, without receiving payment or direct costs. Donations start from 100,000 Colombian pesos (approximately $32 USD), which includes entry to the concert. Meanwhile, in Spain, a moderate earthquake measuring 5.2 struck the southern region near Granada early Saturday morning. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake had its epicenter one kilometer southwest of Otura, near Granada, at a depth of 10 kilometers. Although initial reports indicated no fatalities, the tremor caused damage including collapsed walls, fallen roof elements, and damaged infrastructure in several parts of the metropolitan area of Granada, particularly in Armilla. Local media reported that the quake was felt in nearby regions such as Málaga, Motril, and Almuñécar, with some areas experiencing minor material damage. Residents of Granada described the experience as unsettling, with many rushing outside due to fear of aftershocks. The incident follows another smaller quake of magnitude 3.7 earlier in the week, centered in La Zubia. These recent seismic activities have reinforced concerns about the region's vulnerability to earthquakes, prompting increased vigilance among the population. In addition to the seismic activity, volcanic activity has been observed in Colombia following the earthquake. The Puracé volcano began emitting ash, leading to the closure of the Popayán airport operations. This development adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing crisis in the region. Amid these challenges, a touching moment emerged from a veterinary clinic in Colombia during the earthquake. Tania Mahecha, a veterinarian, remained inside the clinic to ensure the safety of the animals under her care despite the danger. Her calm demeanor and decision to stay behind to protect the pets became widely shared online, drawing admiration from netizens who praised her composure and dedication. She later confirmed that both she and the animals were safe, and the clinic suffered minimal structural damage. As the situation continues to unfold, the focus remains on providing aid to those affected by the earthquake and addressing the broader implications of the seismic and volcanic activities. Efforts are underway to coordinate relief work, and the upcoming solidarity concert aims to raise substantial funds for recovery and rebuilding in the impacted regions.
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