The first flight from Haiti in two weeks successfully landed at Miami International Airport on a Sunday afternoon, bringing much-needed relief to those onboard.
This flight, a Global X charter from Cap-Haïtien, arrived precisely at 2:30 p.m. The significance of this flight’s arrival was not just in its timing but in the hope it represented for the 47 U.S. citizens onboard, all escaping the intensifying chaos in Haiti.
Flight Discovery and Departure
Passengers on the flight shared that they became aware of the U.S.-sponsored flight through an email.
This crucial information, along with further details, was also accessible through the State Department’s web page.
State Department’s Assistance and Confirmation
Upon the flight’s arrival, the State Department confirmed the successful landing and the ongoing assistance being provided to the passengers.
A spokesperson stated, “We will continue to assist U.S. citizens as long as commercial options remain unavailable and the security environment permits us to do so.”
Port-au-Prince: A City Under Siege
The situation in Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, has become perilous with gangs nearly taking control and the sound of constant gunfire, forcing residents to remain indoors for their safety.
This dire situation has put the lives of approximately one million people at risk, escalating the urgency for evacuations.
The Growing Fear of Starvation
As the violence has escalated, aid groups have ceased operations, leading to a growing fear of starvation among the residents.
The cessation of relief efforts has exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation, leaving many without access to essential supplies.
Personal Accounts of Desperation
Among those evacuated was Avlot Quesaa, who was in Haiti visiting his mother.
He described the conditions as terrible, saying, “The suffering you can only imagine.” Quesaa’s testimony sheds light on the grim reality faced by those in Haiti during this tumultuous period.
The Journey to Safety
For those like Quesaa, the opportunity to leave Haiti came with conditions.
He told CBS News Miami that he registered with the U.S. Embassy and signed a promissory note to pay for the flight at a later date, a necessary step for many seeking escape from the chaos.
Advisory for Travelers to Cap-Haïtien
The journey to Cap-Haïtien, for many, was fraught with danger.
The U.S. government warned that the trip from Port-au-Prince to Cap-Haïtien was hazardous and advised considering the flight “only if you believe you can reach Cap-Haïtien airport safely.”
Haiti’s Hunger Crisis
Jean-Martin Bauer, Haiti director for the United Nation’s World Food Program, expressed grave concerns about the hunger crisis in Haiti.
He said “Haiti is facing a protractive and mass hunger,” with conditions comparable to war zones.
Challenges in Aid Distribution
The violence and control exerted by gangs have significantly hindered the distribution of food, water, and medical supplies.
Attempts to deliver aid to shelters and affected areas have been stifled, with many Haitians trapped in their homes and unable to access basic necessities.
The Struggle for Control and its Consequences
With nearly 200 gangs operating in Haiti and a significant concentration in Port-au-Prince, the battle for control has led to widespread violence and displacement.
The gang’s dominance over 80% of the capital has resulted in numerous casualties and has left over 15,000 people homeless.
International Response and Funding Shortfall
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has pledged $25 million in aid, in addition to $33 million announced earlier.
However, Jean-Martin Bauer highlighted that the humanitarian appeal for Haiti this year is less than 3% funded, with a critical need for $95 million in the next six months. This funding gap poses a significant challenge in addressing the concurrent crises of conflict and hunger in Haiti.
