'Start from scratch': Hundreds still lack shelter a month after Colombia quake

One month after a powerful earthquake shattered the Colombian city of Pereira, hundreds of people sleep outdoors or seek refuge in shelters with little idea of what the future holds.

Pereira is nestled in Colombia's western coffee-growing region, which was badly hit by the 7.4 magnitude quake on August 10.

In a park next to the remains of their ruined home, Fanery Andrade and her family have resorted to sleeping in tents alongside similarly displaced households.

Andrade, 41, has not yet seen the much-touted government aid supposedly on its way to people made homeless by the disaster.

"We're still here because rents are really tough," the street vendor told AFP.

"We've looked around; they're incredibly expensive. They've shot up into the stratosphere," she said.

The quake brought down schools, hospitals and over 36,300 homes, according to Colombia's disaster response agency.

Over 330 people were killed, and infrastructure damage is estimated to cost $9.5 billion, while reconstruction will likely take years.

Andrade recalled escaping from her house just moments before it collapsed.

"You still sleep in fear," she said, gazing at the remains of her home.

Going to a shelter was an option, but Andrade prefers the camaraderie between the six families camped out in the park.

"We all help each other," she said.

President Abelardo de la Espriella took power three days before the disaster struck.

The right-wing leader has promised to deliver rent subsidies worth $285 for three months to those who need it.

But several people who qualify for the subsidy told AFP they still have not received the aid.

Francia Elena Vasquez has taken matters into her own hands.

After losing the decades-old family shop selling scented candles and disposable utensils, Vasquez went back to working from a parking lot.

"Thanks to the community, to the people...things have gone well for us," she said.

Matias Velez lost his home and sustained injuries during the tremor.

The 36-year-old nurse, who wears crutches and has his leg in a cast, is living with his parents while he recovers.

"We have to start from scratch," he said.