Colombian singer Jhonny Rivera offers farm to shelter earthquake-displaced elderly

Colombian singer Jhonny Rivera has opened the doors of his farm in Pereira to temporarily house about a dozen elderly residents displaced by a powerful earthquake. The magnitude 7.4 quake, the strongest to hit Colombia in a quarter-century, caused significant damage in several departments, including Risaralda, where Pereira is located.

Rivera's mother, María Mabel Valencia, personally welcomed the group to the farm, converting it into a temporary refuge and aid collection center. "More than a shelter, it's a hug, a moment to accompany them and remind them they are not alone," Rivera stated in an Instagram post. The initiative came after the elderly residents' original accommodation was further compromised by rains that followed the earthquake, damaging already weakened structures.

While on tour in the United States, Rivera and his wife also visited a warehouse receiving humanitarian aid for earthquake victims. He urged continued support, noting that many people were still ready to assist. The singer's actions highlight a wave of solidarity following the disaster, which left numerous homes and buildings damaged and worsened the plight of many residents due to subsequent rainfall.