The United States government is arranging a special flight to help evacuate Americans from Haiti due to the increasing levels of hunger in the country. One official stated, “There are many individuals in dire need.”
On Saturday, the United States government announced that it will be organizing a special flight for travelers with valid passports to come to the U.S. from Haiti.
The airplane will depart from the Cap-Haitien International Airport, which has restricted capacity due to ongoing turmoil in the nation. The Department of State advised individuals and their qualifying family members who wish to journey to the United States to complete an enrollment document.
Authorities advised against traveling by land between the capital of Port-au-Prince and the city of Cap-Haitien, deeming it risky. They suggested that individuals only take the flight to Cap-Haitien if they are confident in their ability to reach the airport safely. According to the State Department, the government is currently unable to offer transportation to the airport by road, but is considering alternative options for departures from Port-au-Prince. The distance between the airport and capital city is approximately 120 miles.
The nation is facing an influx of aggressive gang activity, leading some specialists to believe that it could be comparable to a limited civil conflict. According to relief organizations, nearly 1.4 million citizens in Haiti are at risk for famine, and over 4 million are in need of food assistance. In some cases, individuals are only able to eat once per day or not at all.
According to Jean-Martin Bauer, the Haiti director of the World Food Program for the United Nations, Haiti is currently experiencing a prolonged and widespread food crisis. He stated that in Croix-des-Bouquets, located in the eastern part of the capital city, the malnutrition rates are similar to those seen in war-torn areas around the globe.
Gangs block aid
Authorities are working to expeditiously provide provisions such as food, water, and medical resources to temporary shelters and other locations.
Violence among gangs strangles the lives of individuals.
In the area of Port-au-Prince and surrounding regions, numerous individuals are unable to leave their residences.
Due to gang attacks on important facilities, including police stations, the main airport, and prisons resulting in the release of thousands of inmates, only a small number of aid organizations have been able to resume operations since February 29th.
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Ariel Henry, the Prime Minister, has stated his determination to uphold his anti-corruption efforts and promote transparency within his administration.
He revealed on Tuesday that he will step down after a transitional council is formed, however, criminal groups have persisted in their assaults on multiple neighborhoods in protest of his leadership.
According to Bauer and other leaders, the gangs are obstructing delivery routes and causing disruption at the primary port. As a result, the warehouse belonging to the World Food Program is depleting its supplies of grains, beans, and vegetable oil while continuing its efforts to provide meals.
Bauer expressed concern by stating, “We possess enough supplies to last for weeks, but not months.” This statement has caused fear in them.
Inside the makeshift shelter at the school, things were a bit more orderly, with scores of people standing in line for food. More than 3,700 shelter residents compete for a place to sleep and share a hole in the ground for a toilet.
Jeffrand Erigeunes, 54, claimed that he used to earn a living by selling up to four loads of sugar cane per day. However, he and his four children were recently forced to leave their community due to gang activity.
He stated, “My residence was ravaged and looted entirely. All of my possessions were taken. And now, they are prohibiting me from working.”
The man relocated his two younger kids to stay with family in the tranquil rural parts of Haiti, while his two older kids stay with him at the shelter.
He expressed, “It’s hard to believe I used to have a place to call home. I was managing to cover my expenses. However, at present, I rely on the generosity of others for my meals. This is not a fulfilling existence.”
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More than .
There is an estimated 200 gangs actively operating in Haiti.
Currently, there are around 20 groups operating specifically in Port-au-Prince and the nearby regions. These groups have gained control of 80% of the capital and are seeking to expand their territory.
Numerous individuals have lost their lives in the latest assaults, resulting in over 15,000 losing their homes.
Many individuals are in dire need.
Marie Lourdes Geneus, a 45-year-old mother of seven and street vendor, shared that her family was forced out of three homes due to gang activity before they found refuge at a shelter.
She expressed that there are numerous individuals in similar predicaments as herself, who have experienced a fulfilling life but have now fallen on tough times. She described her current existence as unpleasant and stated that despite her past efforts, she is now just struggling to stay afloat.
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She mentioned that she sometimes goes out to sell beans in order to obtain additional food for her kids, who sometimes only get one meal per day. However, she often gets chased by armed individuals and ends up dropping her merchandise as she flees.
Due to the circumstances, organizations such as Food for the Hungry are unable to carry out their operations during this period.when their help
We require it the most.
According to Boby Sander, the director of the organization in Haiti, we are currently facing a dire situation where we have no funds and are unable to transport our inventory from the warehouse. This is a catastrophic predicament.
Food for the Hungry operates a cash-based program that helps some 25,000 families a year by sending them money, but he said the ongoing looting and attacks on banks have crippled the system. “Since Feb. 29, we have not been able to do anything at all,” he said.
One morning, the smell of cooking rice attracted a crowd of men and teenage boys to a sidewalk near a building where volunteers were making meals to give to shelters in other parts of the city.
“Could you assist me in obtaining some food? We haven’t had a chance to eat today,” they inquired of passersby entering and exiting the building. However, their requests were met with silence. The food had been designated for the shelter at the school.
Jean Emmanuel Joseph, in charge of food distribution for the Center for Peasant Organization and Community Action, expressed that they are aware it is not a sufficient amount. He regrets that they are unable to provide them with more.
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At the shelter, a few adults and children attempted to rejoin the queue for a second helping. They were reminded, “You have already received a plate. Please allow others to have one.”
Resident Jethro Antoine, aged 55, residing in the shelter, stated that the food is designated for shelter residents only. However, there is limited action that can be taken against individuals who do not belong and take some food. “Voicing your concerns may result in becoming an adversary and even risking your life,” he expressed.
are Chronically Challenged
USAID reported that approximately 5.5 million individuals in Haiti, which is almost half of the total population, experience chronic challenges.need humanitarian aid
The company committed to donating $25 million more, on top of the $33 million already pledged earlier in the week.
According to Bauer from the United Nations, the request for humanitarian aid for Haiti in 2020 has only received less than 3% of the required funding. The World Food Program specifically needs $95 million within the next six months.
He expressed concern about the simultaneous presence of conflict and hunger in Haiti, stating, “I am afraid of what the future holds.”
Source: cbsnews.com