Flight Departing from Cap-Haitien International Airport for Citizens
The U.S. government announced plans to organize a charter flight from Haiti to the U.S. for individuals with valid passports. The flight will depart from the Cap-Haitien International Airport due to limited travel options amidst the country’s ongoing violence. Citizens and eligible family members interested in traveling to the U.S. are advised to complete an intake form provided by the State Department. Officials cautioned about the dangerous journey from Port-au-Prince to Cap-Haitien, emphasizing the need for safety awareness.
Haiti’s Dire Situation
Haiti is grappling with violent gangs, described by experts as sparking a low-scale civil war. Over 1.4 million Haitians are on the brink of famine, with more than 4 million requiring food assistance, many struggling to eat even once a day. The United Nations’ World Food Program expressed deep concern, likening malnutrition rates in some areas to those found in war zones globally. Gangs obstruct aid distribution routes, leaving essential supplies in short supply across the country.
Humanitarian Crisis Escalates Amid Gang Violence
More than 200 gangs operate in Haiti, controlling 80% of the capital and escalating violence that has claimed numerous lives and displaced thousands. Gangs have targeted key institutions, leading to a wave of violence that forced the Prime Minister’s impending resignation. Aid organizations face challenges in delivering crucial supplies, with warehouses running low on essential items. The ongoing crisis has left thousands in makeshift shelters, struggling to access basic necessities amidst the chaos.
International Aid Efforts Struggle to Reach Haiti
Humanitarian organizations like Food for the Hungry are unable to operate effectively due to ongoing violence and looting, hindering their ability to provide vital assistance to vulnerable populations. Limited resources and logistical challenges have hampered aid distribution efforts, leaving many without access to essential food and supplies. The situation in Haiti remains critical, with urgent humanitarian support needed to address the escalating conflict and hunger facing the nation.