Bogota, Aug. 13 -- Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella on Wednesday (local time) invoked an "economic emergency" to enable exceptional measures for earthquake relief and reconstruction after the disaster left 265 people dead and 3,494 injured.

Addressing the media, De La Espriella described the situation as a tragedy of "great dimensions", noting that the government was preparing measures to support affected families and businesses while accelerating reconstruction.

He said the government would provide support, including payment of public services, rental subsidies, tax relief and economic assistance for vulnerable families and small merchants.

"It is undoubtedly a tragedy of great dimensions, but it is precisely in these mome...