US Government Arranges Charter Flight to Rescue Americans from Haiti Amid Rising Hunger, Highlighting Desperation
TL/DR –
The U.S. is organizing a charter flight from Haiti to evacuate citizens and their eligible family members due to the country’s ongoing civil unrest. The flight will depart from Cap-Haitien International Airport, though the trip to the airport from the capital, Port-au-Prince, is described as dangerous. Haiti is currently suffering from violent gang disruptions, which some experts are likening to a low-scale civil war, leaving 1.4 million Haitians on the brink of famine and more than 4 million requiring food aid.
US Government Arranges Haiti-US Flight Amid Violence
In response to the escalating violence in Haiti, the U.S. government has organized a charter flight for American citizens and valid passport holders. This flight will depart from Cap-Haitien International Airport, currently the only viable airport due to the ongoing unrest. To register for this flight, citizens and their eligible dependents are to complete an intake form.
State Department Warns of Risky Travel
Officials have warned that the journey from Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, to Cap-Haitien is perilous, and people should attempt it only if they are confident of reaching the airport safely. Authorities are also exploring options for departures directly from Port-au-Prince.
Violent Gangs Overwhelm Haiti
Haiti is besieged by violent gangs instigating what some experts call a low-scale civil war. An estimated 1.4 million Haitians are on the brink of famine, with more than 4 million relying on food aid, sometimes managing only one meal a day. Haiti’s turmoil is compared to a war zone by Jean-Martin Bauer, Haiti director for the United Nation’s World Food Program.
Gang Violence Leads to Prime Minister’s Resignation
Gang violence has impacted aid distribution and instigated the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Gangs are obstructing distribution routes, effectively immobilizing the main port. With this violence, Haitian citizens are facing growing desperation.
Desperate Conditions for Displaced Haitians
Even as local aid groups struggle to provide meals and supplies, thousands of Haitians forced to flee their homes by gang violence are living in desperate conditions in makeshift shelters. Without a stable income or security, many families are suffering, and this crisis is putting increased strain on aid organizations.
Aid Organizations Struggle Amid Violence
Due to the ongoing violence, aid organizations like Food for the Hungry are unable to operate, despite Haiti’s increasing needs. They struggle to distribute their warehouse stocks while their cash-based aid programs are rendered ineffective by looting and bank attacks.
Haiti’s Humanitarian Crisis
USAID reports that almost half of Haiti’s population urgently requires humanitarian aid. In response, they pledged $25m, in addition to the previously announced $33m. From the United Nations, an appeal for Haiti’s crisis is less than 3% funded, with the World Food Program requiring $95m for the next six months.Huge amounts of aid are still required.
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