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A family from the municipality of San Miguel del Padrón urgently requests assistance in locating María Elena Cuéllar, a 68-year-old woman who has been missing since last Saturday in Havana.
According to her sister Odalys Cuéllar, María Elena was last seen at her residence on Calle C No. 12, Reparto Merceditas, in the San Francisco de Paula neighborhood.
The family indicates that the woman suffers from a nervous condition and usually dresses in white.
"We affectionately call her 'Nena.' We are desperate and appreciate any information that could help us find her. Please, if anyone has seen her or knows anything, contact us," Odalys expressed in a Facebook post.
She also provided several contacts for information related to the whereabouts of María Elena: 76914118 (Damarys), 5354114791 (Aidé), and 53602449 (Alfredo)
Cases of disappearances have surged on the island amid a backdrop of escalating violence and a shortage of medications for individuals suffering from mental health issues.
The day before, a similar case emerged involving a Cuban identified as Odey Gamboa Batista, a resident of Cruces, Cienfuegos, who has been missing from his home for several days.
According to his sister Elizabeth Abad Fernández on Facebook, Odey, 44, had been missing for three days, and no one has seen him.
Frequently Asked Questions About Disappearances in Cuba
Who is María Elena Cuéllar and why is her disappearance significant?
María Elena Cuéllar is a 68-year-old woman who disappeared in Havana, specifically in the municipality of San Miguel del Padrón. Her disappearance is significant as it is part of a troubling pattern of disappearances in Cuba, where violence and lack of access to medication for people with mental illnesses exacerbate the situation.
How is the shortage of medications affecting disappearances in Cuba?
The shortage of medications in Cuba is contributing to disappearances, especially among individuals with mental illnesses. Without proper treatment, these individuals can become easily disoriented and stray from their homes, increasing their vulnerability in a context of escalating violence.
Why are social media crucial in the search for missing people in Cuba?
Social media has become an essential tool for searching for missing persons in Cuba due to the absence of an official state channel to handle these situations. Families and friends turn to platforms like Facebook to share alerts and seek the community's help in finding their loved ones.
What impact does the socioeconomic context have on disappearances in Cuba?
The socioeconomic context in Cuba, marked by scarcity and insecurity, exacerbates the issue of missing persons. The lack of medications, rising violence, and the ineffectiveness of authorities in addressing these cases contribute to making disappearances more frequent and challenging to resolve.
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