Colombian president asks Trump to suspend tariffs to help earthquake recovery

Colombia's President Abelardo de la Espriella has requested U.S. President Donald Trump to suspend tariffs to assist the South American nation in recovering from a devastating earthquake that claimed at least 289 lives. The earthquake, measuring 7.4 in magnitude, struck earlier this month and has left the country in turmoil. De la Espriella, who took office just days before the disaster, has emphasized his ties with Trump, who backed his election victory.

He has sought to leverage their relationship to alleviate the economic hardship faced by Colombian businesses due to the earthquake's impact. The U.S. has pledged $26.5 million in aid, comprising food, shelters, and health supplies. So far, the disaster has resulted in 3,937 injured individuals, destroyed 14,705 homes, and damaged 81,536 others.

Despite the 48-72 hour window for finding survivors having long passed, hope still persists as rescuers continue their efforts in the warmer parts of the disaster zone.