Kathmandu. The death toll from Monday’s powerful earthquake in western Colombia has risen to 265, and more than 500 people are still missing. Although the continuous aftershock has posed challenges in the rescue and search operations, the security personnel and rescue workers have continued their operations in the affected areas.

Colombian President Abelardo de la Esprella announced in a televised address that an emergency fund would be set up to help rebuild hospitals, schools, homes and other infrastructure. He has also declared an economic emergency to deal with the damage caused by the disaster. He, however, clarified what immediate steps would be taken under the announcement.

More than 25,800 families have been affected by the quake, President Esprella said. According to official figures, 3,770 people were injured and more than 9,550 houses were damaged.

The deaths were 83 in Pereira, Colombia’s main coffee-growing city, and 74 in Cali, the country’s third-largest city. Officials said there was a huge loss of life and property in other affected areas as well.

According to the Geological Survey of Colombia, 130 aftershocks have been recorded since the main quake. Rescue teams are finding it difficult to search for those trapped in the debris by entering the damaged structures due to the continuous aftershocks.

On August 10, a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia. The quake caused extensive damage to buildings, homes and health facilities in cities including Cali, Pereira and Manizales. Remote settlements in Chowko area have also been affected. Transportation of rescue and relief materials has been further challenged due to geographical difficulties.

Colombia has been described as one of the strongest earthquakes of the 21st century. Rescue workers have been carrying out search and relief operations in the most vulnerable situation due to the devastation caused by the earthquake and the aftershocks.

The government has said that it will provide immediate relief to the affected families and give priority to the reconstruction of the damaged infrastructure. Meanwhile, search for the disappeared, treatment of the injured and management of the displaced families have been the main priority of the rescue and relief work.