Colombia Earthquake Death Toll Reaches 256; 496 Still Missing

The devastating earthquake that struck western Colombia on Monday has claimed the lives of 256 people, with authorities reporting that 496 individuals remain missing. The powerful 7.4 magnitude tremor impacted several cities, causing widespread destruction and prompting a significant national response.

President Abelardo de la Espriella provided an update on the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts, stating that the focus is now concentrated on locating the missing. Initially, it was feared that as many as 3,800 people could be unaccounted for, but the president's latest figures indicate a lower, though still alarming, number.

In the wake of the tragedy, the South American nation has declared three days of national mourning. President de la Espriella also announced an economic crisis in response to the earthquake's aftermath, signaling the profound impact the disaster has had on the country's resources and infrastructure.

The scale of the devastation is still being assessed, but the immediate priority remains the search for survivors and providing aid to those affected by the earthquake. The declaration of an economic crisis suggests that the long-term recovery process will require substantial national and potentially international support.

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Our efforts are concentrated on those who are missing.