MEXICO CITY, August 13 (HS/RIA Novosti) - Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared a constitutional state of economic emergency to address the aftermath of a powerful earthquake that struck the country on August 10, as the death toll rose to 265, with 3,494 people injured and 496 still missing.

The emergency measure will allow the government to establish a special fund to channel national and international resources toward the reconstruction of areas devastated by the earthquake, de la Espriella said in a statement broadcast by Caracol television.

I have decided to invoke the state of economic emergency, a mechanism envisioned by our constitution, to adequately address this crisis, the president said.

The scale of the destruction has placed enormous pressure on Colombia's recovery efforts. According to the latest government data, the earthquake damaged 53,526 homes and caused 140 buildings to collapse. A total of 1,819 educational institutions, 631 community centers and 179 healthcare facilities were also damaged.

The disaster also severely affected critical infrastructure. One pedestrian bridge was destroyed, while 20 highway bridges and 203 road sections were damaged. In addition, 44 water supply systems and five airports were affected.

This is, without a doubt, an enormous tragedy, de la Espriella said, adding that the government's immediate priorities were assisting those injured and rebuilding destroyed areas.

The special recovery fund will be used to restore hospitals, schools, residential buildings, roads and airports damaged by the earthquake. The government also plans temporary economic support measures for affected families and businesses.

These measures include assistance with utility payments, rental subsidies for people who lost their homes, tax and financial incentives, direct economic aid for the most vulnerable families, and support mechanisms for affected merchants and small businesses.

The earthquake has also triggered an international humanitarian response. Colombia is set to receive specialized search and rescue teams from the United States, Israel, Ecuador and El Salvador to assist with relief and recovery operations, according to David Tamayo, head of the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management.

Israel has separately announced a humanitarian mission to Colombia. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the immediate dispatch of a humanitarian delegation after a request from de la Espriella, Netanyahu's office said.

Switzerland has also pledged 1 million Swiss francs ($1.2 million) in assistance for earthquake relief, according to the Swiss Foreign Ministry.

The magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia on the morning of August 10, with its epicenter in the Choco Department. The tremors were felt across much of Colombia and in neighboring countries.

With hundreds dead and thousands injured or missing, the Colombian government is now facing a major reconstruction challenge involving housing, healthcare, education, transport and essential infrastructure.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar