The death toll from the earthquake that struck western Colombia last Monday has risen to 265, while nearly 500 people remain missing as search operations continue for survivors trapped under the rubble.
In a speech broadcast on state television, Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella said that his country would establish an emergency fund to help rebuild hospitals, schools, homes, and infrastructure destroyed by the earthquake.
He also declared an economic state of emergency to address the damage caused by the disaster, though he did not specify what measures would be taken under the declaration.
He added that the total number of affected families had exceeded 25,800, while official estimates indicated that the earthquake had also injured 3,770 people and destroyed more than 9,550 homes.
Pereira, located in Colombia's coffee-producing region, and Cali, the country's third-largest city, recorded 83 and 74 deaths, respectively. Meanwhile, the Colombian Geological Survey recorded 130 aftershocks since the earthquake struck.
The magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10, causing widespread destruction and the collapse of buildings, homes, and healthcare facilities, particularly in Cali, Pereira, and Manizales. Remote areas of the Choco region were also affected, making rescue and relief operations more difficult.
The earthquake was described as the strongest to hit the country in the 21st century, while continuing aftershocks have hampered search-and-rescue efforts.
