Controversy During Tragedy: Venezuelan Woman Asks People Not to Donate Tortillas, Sparking Online Debate

Venezuela earthquake donations spark online controversy

Venezuelan woman asks people not to donate tortillas

Crisis continues after earthquakes

A video recorded at a donation collection center in Venezuela has sparked widespread debate on social media as the country continues to deal with the aftermath of devastating earthquakes.

In the recording, a Venezuelan woman asks donors to avoid bringing certain foods, including tortillas, milk, and cottage cheese, arguing that they are not suitable for delivery to disaster-stricken areas.

«Please don’t bring tortillas, don’t bring cottage cheese. These products need refrigeration and will spoil… We need non-perishable food.»

The message, intended to guide relief efforts, ultimately generated mixed reactions across multiple social media platforms.

Criticism and support divide social media

Venezuela earthquake donations controversy-Photo: EFE

After the clip circulated without context, many users criticized the woman, particularly those who interpreted her comments as rejecting donations, especially from countries such as Mexico.

Some argued that during an emergency, any form of assistance should be welcomed and warned that messages like this could discourage people from donating.

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN: Mexican Actress in Mourning: Reveals Her Family Is Among the Venezuela Earthquake Victims

Others pointed out that packaged tortillas can remain fresh for weeks without refrigeration as long as the package remains sealed.

However, many users defended the woman, saying her goal was to provide guidance—not reject people’s generosity.

The importance of appropriate disaster donations

Supporters of the message explained that donation centers typically prioritize long-lasting products because of transportation and storage conditions.

In the same video, the woman also warned against sending milk or fresh cheeses because they can spoil or contaminate other food during transport.

According to humanitarian aid experts, these recommendations are common during disasters, when logistics are limited and deliveries may take longer than expected.

For that reason, relief organizations generally request non-perishable food, bottled water, medications, and personal hygiene supplies.

| THEY DON’T WANT TORTILLAS

«Venezuelans are complaining because people are sending them tortillas. Someone should explain to this woman that packaged tortillas last for weeks as long as the package stays sealed.

With that attitude, anyone would lose the desire to donate. pic.twitter.com/P7eX8klIBK

— Sergio (@Seergiot3ck) June 29, 2026

Emergency continues as officials urge informed donations

While the debate continues online, Venezuela remains in a critical situation following the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes that struck on June 24.

Preliminary figures indicate nearly 1,500 deaths, hundreds of damaged buildings, and thousands of families relying on humanitarian assistance to survive.

Rescue crews continue searching through the rubble as national and international organizations deliver essential supplies.

Amid the ongoing emergency, authorities and disaster relief experts continue urging donors to consult official lists before making contributions to ensure aid is appropriate and reaches those who need it most, according to El Heraldo de México.