Colombia has declared three days of national mourning for the victims of Monday’s 7.2-magnitude earthquake, which has killed 254 people.

Axar.az reports, citing Colombian media, that Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella signed the relevant decree.

“Let national mourning be declared throughout the country for a period of three (3) days in honor of all those who died, during which the national flag shall be flown at half-mast at all public buildings across the country, as well as at Colombian embassies and consular offices abroad,” the decree reads.

The earthquake struck on August 10, with its epicenter in San Jose del Palmar in the department of Choco. Choco, Valle del Cauca, Risaralda and Caldas were among the worst-affected areas.

According to government figures, at least 181 people had died by Tuesday, while regional authorities put the death toll at approximately 254.

Search-and-rescue operations are continuing for people trapped under collapsed buildings, particularly in Cali and Pereira.