On Saturday, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel stated that he has maintained "constant communication with Venezuelan authorities" and the Cuban embassy in Caracas since the onset of the devastating earthquakes. His efforts aim to stay informed about the conditions of Cubans in the region and "provide them with all possible assistance."
The message, shared via the platform X, comes three days after the seismic disaster on June 24, which recorded magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5—the strongest quakes Venezuela has experienced since 1900.
So far, these tremors have resulted in 1,430 confirmed deaths and more than 3,360 injuries. However, the United Nations estimates suggest that as many as 50,000 people are missing across the South American nation.
Vague Government Response Amidst Crisis
Díaz-Canel's statement contrasts sharply with the Cuban regime's lack of transparency regarding the fate of its citizens. On the same day, Ana Teresita González Fraga, the general director of Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Minrex), admitted that the government has no confirmed reports of affected Cubans.
"So far, we have no official confirmation of compatriots being injured, deceased, or missing," González stated, while announcing the activation of the phone line 7 8321484 for families in Cuba to report the status of their relatives.
Citizen Platforms Step Up as Government Awaits Data
While Minrex waits for official information, citizen platforms like Encuéntralos and media outlet elToque are documenting more than 30 missing Cubans, providing names, ages, and last known locations, primarily in the state of La Guaira.
Among the missing are two Cuban children, Vanessa and Dayan Martínez, from Melena del Sur, Mayabeque. They lived with their father—a Cuban doctor who remained in Venezuela after a mission—at the Coral Beach building in Los Corales, La Guaira.
Additionally, a Cuban family of at least six members, including Alain Rodríguez Rojas and Teresa Rojas Rodríguez, has vanished from the Oasis Beach and Resjurel buildings in La Guaira.
Cuban Medical Brigade Mobilizes Immediately
Simultaneously, the Cuban medical brigade in Venezuela, consisting of around 12,930 collaborators stationed across the country's 24 states, promptly mobilized to the Integrated Diagnostic Centers in La Guaira.
The brigade's chief, Dr. Yusleivy Martínez Carmona, confirmed that all collaborators were in "optimal health" and expressed their willingness to participate in aid efforts. "The cooperants themselves requested to join the healthcare tasks," he noted.
On the same day, a 4.9 magnitude aftershock further complicated rescue operations involving 25 teams from 17 countries.
International Reactions and Speculations
Meanwhile, Abel Prieto, president of Casa de las Américas and a government advisor, shared an image of U.S. Marines while questioning their humanitarian intentions by calling them "Humanitarian Rambos."
The United Nations estimates that the June 24 seismic events affected up to 6.76 million people across Venezuela. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimates a 42 percent probability of between 10,000 and 100,000 total deaths.
FAQs on the Earthquake's Impact on Cubans in Venezuela
How many Cubans are currently missing in Venezuela?
Over 30 Cubans have been reported missing, based on citizen platforms and media documentation.
What actions has the Cuban government taken in response to the earthquakes?
Cuban leader Díaz-Canel claims to be in constant communication with Venezuelan authorities and the Cuban embassy. Additionally, the Cuban medical brigade has mobilized to assist in rescue efforts.
What is the estimated impact of the earthquakes in Venezuela?
The United Nations estimates up to 6.76 million people affected, with a potential death toll between 10,000 and 100,000, according to the USGS.