The ongoing energy crisis in Cuba has sparked growing concern over the rise in disappearances of women during the extensive national blackouts. The power outages, which disrupt communication and hinder search efforts, have also made it challenging to respond swiftly to these cases. Various organizations and initiatives have documented disappearances linked to the most recent nationwide blackout, which occurred between March 15 and 17, 2025.
The feminist platform Alas Tensas reports cases such as Doraiky Águila Vázquez, who has been missing since March 15 in Lawton, Havana. Another tragic instance is that of Julia Salvadora Segura Guerra, who vanished on the same day and was later found deceased in her home in Primero de Enero, Ciego de Ávila. The platform emphasizes that prolonged power interruptions compromise not only public safety but also the ability of authorities and families to respond effectively.
The absence of Internet and mobile phone access during these blackouts prevents the timely dissemination of missing person alerts, exacerbating the situation. In light of this, activists and citizens are urging the establishment of an official alert protocol for disappearances in Cuba, which would enable the mobilization of state and community resources during blackouts. There is also a call for police and media outlets to implement effective mechanisms for the early dissemination of alerts.
On Thursday, the case of teenager William Omar Prieto Bermúdez, from the Havana municipality of Guanabacoa, was highlighted. He has been missing since last Saturday. According to his family, who communicated with CiberCuba, William left his home that day and has not returned.
Cuban provinces have been experiencing daily blackouts lasting more than 20 hours for several weeks, following the worsening of the energy crisis caused by multiple thermoelectric plants going offline from the National Electric System.
Understanding the Impact of Cuban Blackouts on Disappearances
Why have disappearances increased during blackouts in Cuba?
The increase in disappearances is linked to the extensive blackouts that disrupt communication and hinder search efforts, making it difficult to respond quickly to these cases.
How are organizations responding to the disappearances?
Organizations like Alas Tensas are documenting cases and calling for the implementation of protocols and mechanisms to improve the response and dissemination of alerts during blackouts.
What measures are being proposed to address these issues?
Activists are advocating for an official alert protocol and urging police and media to implement effective communication strategies to ensure timely alerts during power outages.