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The family of a 78-year-old man in Jovellanos, Matanzas, is living hours of anguish after reporting his disappearance, following the man's departure to collect firewood and his failure to return.
According to his granddaughter's account on social media, the grandfather was last seen in the area of the El Doce apartments in the municipality of Jovellanos, and since then, nothing has been heard from him. He was wearing work clothes and carrying tools for cutting wood.
The family asserts that he did not suffer from memory disorders or any illnesses that would explain his prolonged absence. On the contrary, he was an active and lively man who was an integral part of his granddaughters' daily lives.
"He is a grumpy yet affectionate grandfather, always looking out for us and being an accomplice to all his grandchildren. He has been the father of my mom and my aunts since he came into my grandmother's life. A kind man inside and out," his granddaughter wrote in a message that reflects the deep despair they are experiencing.
The case adds to the growing list of reports of missing persons in Cuba, mostly elderly individuals and women.
In recent days, the family of Laudelina Piñeiro Peña, 77 years old, issued an urgent call after she failed to reach her destination in Artemisa; in Sancti Spíritus, a grandfather has been missing since September 22; and in Havana, the disappearance of the elderly woman Noguella Lezcano Milián, 80 years old and with health issues, has left an entire neighborhood anxious.
In the absence of effective search and location protocols, social media has become the primary tool for Cuban families, who rely on community solidarity to share photos, describe their loved ones, and seek assistance.
Those who have information about the missing elderly man in Jovellanos can contact the phone number provided by the family: 51309467.
Meanwhile, uncertainty is growing in Matanzas and throughout Cuba, where each new case highlights the vulnerability of families in the face of a State that does not provide quick or effective responses to the disappearances.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Disappearances of Elderly People in Cuba
What is known about the missing elderly man in Jovellanos, Matanzas?
The 78-year-old man was last seen in the area of the El Doce apartments in Jovellanos, Matanzas, when he went out to gather firewood. The family has requested information through the number 51309467, but so far there are no updates on his whereabouts.
Why are disappearances of elderly people so frequent in Cuba?
Elderly disappearances in Cuba are becoming increasingly common due to the lack of effective search and location protocols by the State. Families rely on social networks and citizen solidarity to spread alerts and search for their loved ones, highlighting an institutional fragility in responding to these situations.
How are Cuban families responding to the lack of state support in cases of disappearances?
Families are turning to social media to mobilize their search, sharing photos and descriptions of the missing persons. They also offer rewards for information and organize campaigns in community groups to keep the search alive, as in the case of Noguella Lezcano Milián, who has been missing in Havana since August.
What patterns are observed in the cases of disappearances in Cuba?
An alarming pattern is that the majority of missing persons are elderly adults or women, often with health conditions that make them vulnerable. The absence of an official early warning system and the slow response from authorities exacerbate the problem, leaving families to cope alone with the uncertainty.
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