Sheinbaum offers Colombia support after deadly 7.4 earthquake

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Monday that her government will provide “all the support” Colombia needs after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake killed at least 47 people and damaged buildings in several cities. Sheinbaum made the pledge during her regular mañanera press conference, just hours after the quake struck near Colombia’s Pacific coast.

The earthquake’s epicenter was located in the department of Chocó, roughly 280 kilometers west of Bogotá, according to preliminary reports. The tremors toppled structures in the city of Cali and were strongly felt in Manizales, which was described as one of the most affected cities. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue teams reach isolated areas.

Mexico’s response

Sheinbaum said she had just learned of the “serious earthquake in Colombia” at the start of the press conference and that Mexican diplomats were already working to establish contact with local authorities. “We’re very attentive to our ambassador and to the Colombian ambassador here,” she said. “Of course, all the support that the people of Colombia need will be provided.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs later issued a statement confirming that Mexico had contacted Colombia’s foreign ministry and reiterated its willingness to help. The ministry also said there was no information about any Mexican nationals affected by the disaster.

The offer of assistance comes six weeks after a devastating earthquake in neighboring Venezuela claimed more than 6,000 lives. Mexico has increasingly positioned itself as a regional partner in emergency response, and the quick diplomatic response on Monday reflects that role.

Renewed push for social media rules

Beyond the earthquake, Sheinbaum used the mañanera to return to a topic she has championed in recent weeks: regulation of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. She argued that the risks these platforms pose to children and society demand a national conversation.

“There has to be regulation of platforms,” Sheinbaum said. “It’s not a situation in which the government decides what the regulation will be. Rather, we’re putting the issue up for debate with teachers, parents, and everyone.” She added that artificial intelligence tools should also be part of the discussion, describing the potential impact on education as “very serious.”

Education Minister Mario Delgado, who appeared alongside the president, underscored the challenges facing teachers. He noted that even when students do not have cell phones in class, teachers must compete for their attention in a digital world. He said teachers face “very significant challenges” regarding device use both inside and outside the classroom, including the need to help students navigate online content.

Possible age restrictions

While Sheinbaum did not announce a specific policy, the government is known to be exploring age restrictions for social media users. Delgado said earlier this year that Mexican officials were studying the feasibility of imposing minimum ages. A legislative proposal could be submitted to Congress later this year, but no details have been finalized.

The government is currently facilitating a national debate on social media and artificial intelligence to inform the draft law. Participants include educators, parents, and civil society groups, with the aim of producing a framework that balances safety with freedom of expression.

What’s next

In the coming days, Mexico’s emergency management agency may deploy search-and-rescue teams or send supplies to Colombia, depending on what the Colombian government requests. The Mexican embassy in Bogotá is expected to continue monitoring the safety of Mexican citizens in affected areas.

Meanwhile, the social media debate will continue to evolve as the government gathers input from across society. Sheinbaum’s repeated emphasis on the issue suggests that a formal proposal is likely in the coming months, with age limits for children a central point of discussion. For now, Mexico is focused on standing with Colombia in its moment of crisis, even as domestic policy debates move forward.