Colombia has declared a state of economic emergency following the devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck the country’s west, as the official death toll climbed above 180 and thousands of people remained missing or displaced. (AP News)
President Abelardo de la Espriella announced the emergency measures to accelerate funding for rescue operations, humanitarian assistance and reconstruction in the worst-affected regions. The declaration gives the government expanded powers to mobilize resources and implement emergency economic measures without the usual legislative process. (AP News)
The cities of Cali, Pereira, Manizales and Quibdó are among the hardest hit, with collapsed buildings, damaged roads and widespread disruption to electricity, communications and public services. Search-and-rescue teams continue to race against time to locate survivors trapped beneath the rubble. (AP News)
Authorities said more than 2,500 people have been injured, while thousands remain unaccounted for as emergency crews, aided by the military, firefighters and international rescue teams, expand operations across the disaster zone. (AP News)
The government has deployed troops to support rescue efforts, secure affected communities and facilitate the delivery of food, water, medical supplies and temporary shelter. International assistance has also begun arriving, with several countries and humanitarian organizations pledging financial aid, rescue personnel and emergency relief. (AP News)
Officials warned that the economic impact is expected to be severe, with extensive damage to homes, hospitals, transport infrastructure and businesses likely to require billions of dollars in reconstruction spending. The emergency declaration is intended to speed up recovery while ensuring immediate support reaches affected communities. (The Wall Street Journal)
Emergency responders continue to search collapsed structures as authorities caution that the number of fatalities could rise further in the coming days as more victims are recovered from the debris. (The Guardian)
