Shakira pledges 10 schools for Colombian earthquake zone as losses top $7 billion

BOGOTÁ, Colombia — Colombian singer Shakira has pledged to help build at least 10 new schools in the country's southwest, one week after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the region, killing 265 people. She traveled to Quibdó, the capital of the hard-hit Chocó department, to meet with students in damaged schools and was joined by U.S. philanthropist Howard Buffett, son of investor Warren Buffett. The schools will be rebuilt through a partnership between the Howard G. Buffett Foundation and Shakira's Pies Descalzos Foundation, with both organizations saying the aim is to construct permanent replacements rather than temporary structures. Officials did not immediately provide a timeline or cost estimate for the project. Separately, Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella said economic losses from the earthquake could reach 30 trillion pesos, roughly $7.4 billion. According to preliminary figures, damage to buildings is estimated at 24.5 trillion pesos, while infrastructure losses stand at around 5.5 trillion pesos. Authorities said the final figures will be confirmed once damage assessments are complete. The earthquake hit on Aug. 10 near San José del Palmar in western Chocó department. Beyond the confirmed death toll, thousands of homes, roads and public buildings have been damaged or destroyed, leaving the region facing a long recovery.