In a bid to aid the South American nation’s recovery from a devastating earthquake, Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has requested that U.S. President Donald Trump suspend tariffs on Colombian products.

Request Made Amid Ongoing Relief Efforts

De la Espriella’s request comes as the country continues to grapple with the aftermath of the 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck on Monday morning, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The disaster has resulted in the loss of at least 289 lives, with over 3,937 people injured and more than 14,700 homes destroyed.

The Colombian government has also reported that 143 people are missing, while civilian-run databases estimate the number to be in the thousands. Despite the challenges, hope remains alive for finding survivors, with rescue efforts ongoing in cities such as Cali, where over 70 people are reported missing.

Call for Tariff Suspension

De la Espriella has asked Trump to consider suspending tariffs on Colombian products, citing the need to provide relief to local businesspeople who are struggling to cope with the effects of the earthquake. The Colombian president has emphasized the importance of this measure, stating that it would go a long way in supporting the country’s recovery efforts.

De la Espriella’s request is not the first time he has sought assistance from the U.S. in the aftermath of the earthquake. On Saturday night, he took to social media platform X to express his gratitude to Trump for the aid provided by the U.S. in response to the disaster.

The U.S. has offered a total of $26.5 million in earthquake aid, including food, shelters, and health supplies, according to the U.S. State Department. However, the Colombian government has asked for more assistance, citing the scale of the disaster and the need for continued support.

Background on the Earthquake

The earthquake struck on Monday morning, with its epicenter located in the Choco region, one of the poorest areas of Colombia. The disaster has had a profound impact on the country, with many communities struggling to access basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter.

Cities along the country’s Pacific coast were particularly hard hit, with Cali being one of the worst-affected areas. The city’s mayor, Alejandro Eder, has expressed hope that miracles will happen and that survivors will be found beneath the rubble. Despite the challenges, rescue efforts continue, with workers searching for the missing in the hope of finding them alive.

Trump’s Response

There has been no immediate response from the Trump administration to de la Espriella’s request. However, the U.S. has already provided significant aid to Colombia in the aftermath of the earthquake, with the U.S. State Department confirming that $26.5 million in assistance has been offered.

The Colombian government has expressed gratitude for this aid, but has asked for more assistance to support the country’s recovery efforts. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Trump will respond to de la Espriella’s request and suspend tariffs on Colombian products.