ESPRIELLA DECLARES STATE OF ECONOMIC EMERGENCY

BOGOTA, AUGUST 13 /SRNA - RIA Novosti/ - Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared a constitutional state of economic emergency in order to enable the country to cope with the consequences of a powerful earthquake that struck the country on Monday.

"I have decided to declare a state of economic emergency, a mechanism provided for by the Constitution, so that we can adequately respond to this crisis. The government will establish a special fund to finance the reconstruction of the affected areas," Espriella said in a statement broadcast by Caracol television.

According to the latest data, 53,526 houses were damaged in the earthquake, 140 buildings collapsed, and 1,819 educational institutions, 631 community centres and 179 healthcare facilities were damaged.

One pedestrian bridge was destroyed, while 20 motorway overpasses, 203 sections of roads, 44 water supply systems and five airports were damaged.

"This is, without a doubt, a huge tragedy," the president said, noting that the government’s efforts are currently primarily focused on assisting the injured and rebuilding the destroyed areas.