The U.S. government has escalated its cautionary advice for Americans in Haiti by recommending an immediate exit from the country.
The alert, issued recently, cites deteriorating security conditions and infrastructural shortcomings as the main reasons.
U.S. citizens are advised to use either commercial or private means of transportation to leave the country.
The scarcity of flight seats
With the situation escalating, the advisory warns that seats on departing flights are becoming scarce.
“Flights fill up quickly and seats may only be available several days or even weeks in advance of departure,” the advisory posted Wednesday on the U.S. Embassy in Haiti’s website said.
“U.S. citizens wishing to depart Port-au-Prince should monitor local news and only do so when considered safe.”
Major airlines such as American Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit, Air Caraibe, and Sunrise Airways are among the options available for U.S. citizens looking to leave Haiti.
More on US advisories for Americans in Haiti
- U.S. Government issues urgent departure notice to citizens in Haiti
- US government advises citizens to leave Haiti
- US Issues Travel Advisory Concerning Haiti
Navigating risk: Guidelines for those who stay
For those who cannot immediately leave, the advisory outlines a host of safety measures.
U.S. citizens should continue to exercise extreme caution while navigating within the nation. It states that large public gatherings and demonstrations should be avoided, and alternative routes should be sought if one encounters roadblocks.
A cycle of advisories amid ongoing crisis
This is not the first time that the U.S. has signaled an alarm for its citizens to exit Haiti.
These repeated warnings coincide with Haiti’s enduring struggles with organized criminal groups, which have led to widespread displacement and a burgeoning humanitarian crisis.
By the numbers: A dire situation
According to the United Nations, the state of affairs in Haiti has reached alarming levels.
Reports are that since the start of the year through mid-August, the statistics have shown more than 2,400 people killed, over 950 kidnapped, and another 902 injured in Haiti.
