Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has asked US President Donald Trump to suspend tariffs to help the country recover from a powerful earthquake. The 7.4 magnitude quake killed at least 289 people and devastated parts of western Colombia. De la Espriella, who took office earlier this month, has sought to emphasize his connections with Trump and thanked him for US aid sent in response to the earthquake.
The Colombian president's request includes a temporary suspension of high tariffs affecting Colombian products to provide relief to businesspeople facing difficult times due to the earthquake's effects. The US has offered $26.5 million in earthquake aid, including food, shelters, and health supplies.
The earthquake destroyed 14,705 homes and damaged another 81,536, with 143 people reported missing and 3,937 injured. Rescue efforts continue, with workers searching for missing people in cities like Cali, where over 70 people are reported missing.
