Death toll in Colombia Earthquake Increased to 281

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella stated at a press conference that search and rescue efforts continue uninterruptedly, but the loss of life is increasing.

Emphasizing that the number of people who lost their lives in the disaster increased to 281, De la Espriella reported that 3 thousand 971 people were injured and 379 people were missing.

De la Espriella noted that their top priority is saving lives and said, "The situation is complex, but we are using all our resources. We also benefit from the opportunities of countries that offer assistance and meet the relevant standards. My heart goes out to the families of the victims and those who are still missing." he said.

De la Espriella, who took office in Colombia on August 7, said that 127 buildings were destroyed, 65 thousand 841 houses were damaged and 10 thousand 677 houses were completely destroyed in the earthquake.

It was reported that a 3-day "national mourning" was declared for those who lost their lives in the 7.4 magnitude earthquake that occurred in the country on August 10.

President De la Espriella, in his statement in the city of Pereira, where the most casualties occurred in the earthquake, said that rental support would be provided to families who lost their homes in the earthquake that affected various regions of the country.