Rescue teams in western Colombia are continuing to search for survivors after a powerful earthquake struck the region, with the death toll now reported at 254, according to multiple Arabic-language news outlets including العربية and Sabq.
The 7.4-magnitude quake has caused widespread destruction, leaving roughly 5,000 homes damaged or destroyed, as reported by Sabq. In the city of Cali alone, at least 85 people have been confirmed dead and dozens more remain missing, according to CNN Arabic. The full extent of the casualties is still being assessed as emergency workers comb through the rubble.
The earthquake has drawn international attention, with FC Barcelona issuing an official statement expressing solidarity with those affected, as reported by Kooora. Meanwhile, Al Jazeera has published images showing rescue operations underway as Colombian authorities work to locate missing persons and provide aid to displaced families.
The disaster has overwhelmed local infrastructure, and the coming days will be critical for determining the final toll. Officials have not yet provided a complete figure for the number of injured or displaced, and the search for survivors is expected to continue in the hardest-hit areas.
As rescue efforts press on, the focus will shift to relief and reconstruction, with questions emerging about the adequacy of building standards in a region vulnerable to seismic activity. The international response, including statements from major sports clubs, signals growing awareness of the crisis, but the immediate priority remains locating those still trapped under debris.
