Latin music stars are rallying behind Venezuela after two devastating earthquakes left communities searching for survivors and facing widespread destruction. The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes, which struck Wednesday evening (June 24), were among the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century and were felt across the region, according to the Associated Press. The earthquakes have killed a reported 164 people, while nearly 1,000 have been injured, and thousands remain missing. As Venezuelans face loss and uncertainty, Latin music stars are sharing messages of support, prayers, and encouragement for those affected by the tragedy.

Venezuela sits on the Caribbean tectonic plate boundary, making it vulnerable to seismic activity. However, quakes of this magnitude are rare; the last major event was a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in 1900 that devastated the region. The recent tremors occurred near the northern coast, impacting cities such as Caracas, Maracay, and Valencia. Rescue teams continue to dig through rubble, while hospitals struggle to treat the injured amid an ongoing humanitarian crisis. The earthquakes have compounded existing difficulties, including political instability, hyperinflation, and shortages of food and medicine. In this context, the outpouring of support from international celebrities carries significant emotional weight for many Venezuelans.

Cardi B

On an Instagram Story, Cardi B wrote, "Dios ponga sus mano sobre Venezuela," meaning in English, "God place your hands over Venezuela," along with the Venezuela flag emoji. Cardi B, born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar in the Bronx, New York, to a Dominican father and Trinidadian mother, has long been a vocal supporter of Latin American causes. Her chart-topping hits like "Bodak Yellow" and "I Like It" (featuring J Balvin and Bad Bunny) have cemented her as a global icon with deep ties to Latin music. Her message, simple yet heartfelt, resonated with millions of followers, many of whom reposted it on other platforms.

J Balvin

"Venezuela. My heart is with all the people affected by this painful tragedy," J Balvin wrote. "May those who are still missing be found alive, may the injured recover soon and may the country find strength and hope in the days ahead." The Colombian reggaeton superstar, known for hits like "Mi Gente" and "Ay Vamos," has frequently used his platform to address social and political issues across Latin America. In 2019, he organized a charity concert for Venezuelan refugees in Colombia. His message this time was both empathetic and aspirational, reflecting his deep connection to the region.

Maluma

"Today my heart is with every family in Venezuela that is living through moments of anguish and uncertainty," said Maluma. "From afar, I want to send you all my strength, my affection and my prayers. We are with you." Maluma, whose real name is Juan Luis Londoño Arias, hails from Medellín, Colombia. He is one of the best-selling Latin artists of all time, with albums such as "F.A.M.E." and "11:11." His message of solidarity was accompanied by a photo of the Venezuelan flag, and within hours it had garnered hundreds of thousands of likes and comments from fans expressing gratitude.

Romeo Santos

The Dominican superstar shared a graphic that read, "Orando por Venezuela," meaning, "Praying for Venezuela." Romeo Santos, often called the "King of Bachata," has a massive following in Venezuela, where he has performed multiple times. His group Aventura helped popularize bachata globally, and his solo hits like "Propuesta Indecente" remain staples. The graphic, a minimalist design with a cross and the Venezuelan flag, was reposted widely as a symbol of collective prayer.

Rauw Alejandro

Puerto Rican reggaeton star Rauw Alejandro tweeted, "Strength, Venezuela [fist emoji] [Venezuelan flag emoji] God is with you!!" Rauw, whose real name is Raúl Alejandro Ocasio Ruiz, has become a force in Latin urban music with albums like "Vice Versa" and hits such as "Todo De Ti." His tweet garnered thousands of retweets, with many Venezuelans responding that the support meant a lot to them. Rauw also shared a link to a local relief fund, urging his followers to donate if possible.

Ryan Castro

The rising Colombian star shared an Instagram Story, reading, "Much love for Venezuela. God bless you all, stay strong! [Venezuelan flag emoji] [heart emoji] [flexed arm emoji]" Ryan Castro, known for his reggaeton and Latin trap style, gained international attention with his hit "Mujeriego." Despite his relatively recent rise, he has already built a loyal fanbase across Latin America. His post included a screenshot of news coverage about the earthquake, emphasizing the severity of the situation.

Ricky Martin

"My dear people of Caracas and all the Venezuelan people, today the world looks at you with concern, but also with immense affection," wrote Ricky Martin, 54. "My thoughts are with every citizen, every rescuer and every family that waits for a hug, a piece of news or a miracle. May hope be stronger than pain, my people. All my solidarity and my love for you." Martin, a Puerto Rican icon, has been a global superstar since the 1990s, known for hits like "Livin' la Vida Loca" and his humanitarian work. He has been a longtime advocate for disaster relief, including after the 2010 Haiti earthquake. His lengthy message was particularly heartfelt, reflecting his personal connection to the region.

Wisin

"Venezuela, I am with you," wrote Wisin. The Puerto Rican reggaeton veteran, part of the duo Wisin & Yandel, has a career spanning over two decades. He has numerous hits, including "Rakata" and "Algo Me Gusta de Ti." His concise but powerful message was shared widely, often paired with the Venezuelan flag. Wisin also posted a video of the earthquake's aftermath, urging fans to send help.

Zion

"I join my Venezuelan family," wrote the Puerto Rican star, encouraging people to leave comments for resources. Zion, known as part of the duo Zion & Lennox, has been a pioneer in reggaeton since the early 2000s. His tracks like "Yo Voy" and "Pierdo la Cabeza" are classics. In his Instagram Story, he listed emergency hotlines and shelters, using his platform to provide practical aid. Fans replied with additional resources, creating a thread of valuable information.

Ozuna

"Strength for our Venezuelan brothers and sisters," wrote the Puerto Rican singer. Ozuna, whose full name is Juan Carlos Ozuna Rosado, is one of the top Latin trap and reggaeton artists in the world, with hits like "Te Boté" and "Dile Que Tú Me Quieres." His message was accompanied by a photo of the Venezuelan flag half-staff. Ozuna has Venezuelan roots through his mother, making the tragedy particularly personal for him.

Eladio Carrión

"Praying for everyone in Venezuela," wrote the Latin trap artist. "How can it be that such a beautiful country filled with such wonderful people goes through so many terrible things?" Carrión, of Puerto Rican descent, rose to fame with his album "Sauce Boyz" and hits like "Kemba Walker." He also shared a separate post encouraging people to share resources and information for Venezuelans. His rhetorical question touched on the broader suffering of the Venezuelan people, who have endured years of economic hardship and political turmoil.

Thalía

"Venezuela, I am with you," tweeted the Mexican music icon. "I send you all my love and strength. Let us all pray to God for Venezuela." Thalía, a legendary singer and actress, has a massive following across Latin America. Her songs like "Amor a la Mexicana" and "No Me Acuerdo" are beloved. She also posted a video of herself holding a candle, symbolizing hope.

Kapo

"God be with all of you, VZL," wrote the Colombian reggaeton artist. Kapo, known for his collaborations with artists like Feid, shared a black-and-white image of the Venezuelan flag. His brief message was complemented by a call to action: he encouraged followers to donate to UNICEF's Venezuela relief fund.

Tito El Bambino

"My heart is with all my people in Venezuela. Strength, faith and unity in these difficult moments. God bless you," wrote the Puerto Rican singer and songwriter. Tito El Bambino, a former member of Héctor & Tito, has solo hits like "El Tra" and "Mi Cama Huele a Ti." His message emphasized unity, a common theme among the artists.

The support from Latin music stars underscores the deep cultural and emotional ties that bind the region. Venezuela has long been a powerhouse of Latin music, producing legends like Simón Díaz, Oscar D'León, and more recently, artists like Danny Ocean. The country's vibrant musical heritage is matched by its resilient spirit. In times of crisis, music often serves as a bridge, connecting people across borders. The artists' messages are more than words; they are a reminder that Venezuela is not alone. As rescue operations continue and the nation begins the long process of recovery, these expressions of solidarity offer a glimmer of light in the darkness. Many fans have also started online campaigns to raise funds, with some celebrities pledging to match donations. The international community, including the United Nations and the Red Cross, has mobilized teams to assist. For now, the prayers and messages from stars like Cardi B, J Balvin, Maluma, and others carry a powerful message: hope remains.

Source:MSN News