Colombian President announces earthquake death toll rises to 265, with thousands injured

Washington, Aug 13 (KUNA) -- Colombian President Abiyard de la Espera announced early Thursday that the death toll from the earthquake that struck Colombia on Monday had risen to 265. In televised remarks, the president said the devastating quake had injured 3,494 people, with 496 still missing, and noted that more than 53,000 people had been affected by the disaster. He added that he would declare a state of economic emergency to accelerate aid delivery to those affected, emphasizing that government efforts remain focused on search-and-rescue operations for the missing and the victims. The Colombian president had previously declared a national disaster state amid widespread destruction, including the collapse of hundreds of buildings and hundreds of casualties. A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, affecting the South American nation and its neighbor Ecuador, prompting residents to evacuate homes and buildings. (End) A.M.M. / H.S.S.