Colombia earthquake claims 265 lives as death toll rises

The death toll from the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Colombia on August 10 has risen to 265, President Abelardo de la Espriella announced.

Another 3,494 people were injured, while 496 remain missing, Caliber.Az reports per El Espectador.

According to de la Espriella, the earthquake affected 25,872 families. Amid the emergency, the president signed a decree declaring a national disaster.

The Colombian president explained that the measure will allow authorities to strengthen and expand efforts to respond to the aftermath of the earthquake both nationwide and in the hardest-hit areas.

In addition, the country’s Foreign Ministry has activated an international cooperation coordination centre. Through the centre, the authorities will coordinate requests for support from the international community to assist areas affected by the disaster.

By Jeyhun Aghazada