More than a month has passed since the disappearance of a young Cuban woman named Claudia, 27, who has a mental disability, in Ciego de Ávila. The anxiety is mounting, and her family continues to search for her desperately. The young woman vanished on August 7 when she left her home in Baraguá without a trace, and her whereabouts remain unknown, according to recent posts shared by her family on social media.
"She is still missing; we don't know what to do or where to look," lamented Odet Cárdenas in a recent Facebook group post. Responding to those concerned about Claudia, Cárdenas explained that Claudia "has mental issues" and, at 27 years old, "her mentality is that of a 2-year-old child. Unfortunately, she slipped away from her grandmother and has not been found since."
In another post this Tuesday, Cárdenas raised the alarm again about the case: "Missing since August 7. If anyone sees her, please call (al) 51111341. We are desperate. Thank you."
Family Turns to Social Media Amid Lack of Official Action
The family has turned to social media as their primary means of searching for the young woman, given the lack of action from the authorities in her search.
Twelve days after Claudia's disappearance, the Observatorio de Género Alas Tensas (OGAT) issued an alert about the case, denouncing the "inactivity of the Cuban police" in this matter. "The inactivity of the Cuban police regarding this disappearance has left Claudia's family and the community as her only searchers," stated the independent platform.
"Every person has the right to be searched for from the moment their disappearance is detected, and all available means should be employed in the search," OGAT emphasized.
The OGAT publication highlighted that Claudia is described by her family as a non-aggressive and extremely affectionate person, "like a small child." The observatory noted that they could not specify the type of mental problem the young woman has or whether she is on any medication.
Reports of missing persons in Cuba have become increasingly frequent in recent months, as have public pleas for help on social media to gather information that could lead to their whereabouts, in the face of growing insecurity and rising crime in the country.
FAQs on Claudia's Disappearance in Ciego de Ávila
In light of Claudia's ongoing disappearance, here are some frequently asked questions and answers to provide more context and information about the case.
When did Claudia go missing?
Claudia disappeared on August 7, 2023.
What is Claudia's mental condition?
Claudia has a mental disability, and her mentality is comparable to that of a 2-year-old child.
How has the family been searching for Claudia?
The family has primarily used social media to raise awareness and gather information about Claudia's whereabouts.
What has been the response from authorities?
There has been a lack of action from the authorities, which has led the family and community to conduct the search themselves.