Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella declared an economic emergency on Wednesday, August 12, following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that has killed at least 265 people and injured 3,494 others.
Authorities also reported that 496 people remain missing as rescue efforts continue in areas affected by the quake.
De la Espriella said the emergency measure will establish a “miracle fund” to channel national and international contributions toward rebuilding damaged hospitals, schools, roads, airports and other infrastructure. The declaration allows the government to take certain measures by decree that would normally require congressional approval.
The president also announced plans for temporary relief and economic recovery measures, including government payments for utility bills of affected families, rental subsidies for people who lost their homes, tax and financial relief, and assistance for vulnerable families, merchants and small businesses. He said rescue teams remain focused on locating those still missing while efforts to rebuild affected communities get underway.
Video: Reuters
