Related videos:
The family of Noguella Lezcano Milián, an 80-year-old woman known as "La Gallega," is experiencing an anguish that seems never-ending, as the woman has been missing in Havana for over a month and her health is deteriorating with each passing day, as she urgently needs medication.
Her granddaughters have intensified the outcry on social media, sharing photos and descriptions to keep the search alive. “We are desperate, please help us find her. Do not discriminate against her or leave her alone,” they pleaded in a message spread in community groups on Facebook.
Noguella, with blue eyes and short hair, was seen in several cafes in the capital. Her family is concerned that she may be disoriented, as she suffered an ischemic episode that caused memory loss. "She needs medication, and without it, her health is deteriorating," they warned.
The young women who are searching for her have offered a reward to anyone who provides reliable information that leads to her whereabouts. The contact numbers are +53 5538-1553 and +53 5817-1805.
Shared pain
The case of Noguella is added to that of Eutiquio Pérez Chain, a 79-year-old man who recently went missing in Havana. His family is also living in days of uncertainty following his absence in San Miguel del Padrón, where he was last seen.
Both stories reflect a troubling pattern in Cuba, where the number of vulnerable older adults who go missing without a trace is on the rise, families bear the responsibility of searching for them, and society relies on community solidarity to fill the gap left by the absence of official protocols.
Feminist and social organizations have denounced for years that the island lacks an immediate alert system, forcing families to resort to makeshift posters, social media posts, and desperate calls to independent media.
Cases like those of Maydeleisis Rosales Rodríguez, Karildi Caridad Marín, Esperanza Cabrera Melvin, and Doraiky Águila Vázquez remain unresolved and serve as a reminder that the issue is not isolated, but rather part of a reality that strikes increasingly harder at Cuban families.
Meanwhile, Noguella's granddaughters repeat their plea with their hearts in hand, asking for her to appear soon, alive, and be able to return home.
Frequently Asked Questions about Disappearances of Elderly Adults in Cuba
Who is Noguella Lezcano Milián and why is her disappearance concerning?
Noguella Lezcano Milián, known as "La Gallega," is an 80-year-old woman who has been missing in Havana since August 16th. Her case is alarming because she suffers from epilepsy and dementia, which makes her vulnerable and in urgent need of medication. Her family has intensified the search through social media and has offered a reward of $200 for any information regarding her whereabouts.
What official mechanisms exist in Cuba for the search of missing persons?
In Cuba, there are no official protocols or effective state mechanisms for locating missing persons. Families rely on citizen solidarity, social networks, and independent organizations to try to find their loved ones. This highlights the lack of coordination and response from the government regarding disappearance situations.
What is the "Yeniset Alert" and how does it assist in cases of missing persons in Cuba?
The "Yeniset Alert" is a mechanism activated by independent feminist organizations in Cuba to raise awareness and respond to the disappearance of women. This alert aims to fill the gap left by the lack of official protocols, drawing attention to the risks to the lives or integrity of the missing women and mobilizing citizen support for their search.
What is the situation regarding the disappearances of elderly people in Cuba?
The disappearances of elderly individuals in Cuba are becoming increasingly frequent and concerning. This situation is aggravated by the lack of resources and official protocols, leaving families in a vulnerable position and relying on civic solidarity to find their loved ones.
Filed under: