Colombian president says death toll from recent earthquake is rising

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espirella told a press briefing on

Wednesday the death toll from Monday's deadly earthquake across

western Colombia had risen to at least 265 people.

The powerful earthquake caused mass destruction damaging

and collapsing buildings in Pereira and other cities.

The strong shaking destroyed residences, crushed cars, razed shops

and left locals wondering what they would do next as many had to leave

their destroyed homes.

The devastation has tested Colombia's new president and his government

as it scrambles to respond to the disaster.