After a catastrophic sequence of earthquakes on Wednesday, June 24, at least 29 Cubans have been reported missing in Venezuela. This information comes from social media tracking and the citizen platform Encuéntralos, a free, non-profit tool designed to report and locate missing individuals following the quake.
The seismic events, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck Venezuela just 39 seconds apart. As of Friday, official reports indicate 589 casualties and over 4,300 injured individuals.
The United Nations estimates that 6.76 million people were impacted by this disaster, marking it as the most powerful earthquake event recorded in the country in the last century.
Missing Persons and Affected Areas
Most of the missing Cubans are concentrated in the state of La Guaira, particularly in the areas of Caraballeda, Catia La Mar, and Los Corales, which suffered the most severe infrastructural damage, including dozens of collapsed buildings.
Among those missing are individuals from various backgrounds. Olivia Hernández Pérez, a 28-year-old psychologist from Havana, was last seen in Coral Park, Caraballeda. Arístides Peralta Pérez, a 58-year-old Cuban boxing coach, is also missing in La Guaira. Michel Luis Curbelo Moreira, a 34-year-old physiotherapist, has not been located in the same region.
Yadina de la Caridad Yáñez Linares, known as "Yadina La Cubana," a 36-year-old cycling instructor, was last known to be at the Hotel Chipis Beach in Catia La Mar. Yosdany Quintana, a 26-year-old tattoo artist distinguished by his mustache, glasses, and multiple tattoos, disappeared from the Caraballeda building.
Families and Additional Cases
A Cuban family of at least six members, including Alain Rodríguez Rojas, Yadina de la Caridad Yánez, Teresa Rojas Rodríguez, Raudel Diosdado Rodríguez, Dylan Sander Rodríguez Yánez, and Gladys María Padrón, went missing in the Oasis and Resjurel buildings in La Guaira.
Additional reports from the independent media outlet elToque involve other distressing cases, such as two Cuban children, Vanessa Martínez and Dayan Martínez, originally from Mayabeque, who lived with their father—a Cuban doctor who stayed in Venezuela after completing a mission. They were last seen in the Coral Beach building in Los Corales. Their mother remains in Cuba, and journalist Daniel Benítez has reported on their disappearance.
The same Cuban media highlighted that Cuban artist El Funky shared the case of Silvio René Garzón Molina, last seen in Los Corales, Caraballeda, on social media, seeking public assistance for his whereabouts.
Cuban Medical Mission Response
Meanwhile, Cuba's Ministry of Public Health confirmed on Friday that all members of the Cuban medical mission in Venezuela are safe and have joined relief efforts following the earthquakes.
Anyone with information regarding the missing individuals is encouraged to report it directly on the Encuéntralos platform, which does not require registration and promptly publishes data to aid in the search efforts.
FAQs on Missing Cubans in Venezuela Earthquakes
How many Cubans are reported missing in Venezuela after the earthquakes?
At least 29 Cubans have been reported missing following the earthquakes in Venezuela.
Where are the majority of missing Cubans located?
Most missing Cubans are located in the state of La Guaira, particularly in Caraballeda, Catia La Mar, and Los Corales.
What is the role of the Cuban medical mission in Venezuela after the earthquake?
The Cuban medical mission members are confirmed to be safe and are actively participating in relief and assistance operations following the earthquakes.