U.S., Canada urge citizens to leave Haiti amid deepening turmoil
CTV
The U.S. and Canadian governments are urging their citizens to leave Haiti because of the country's deepening insecurity and a severe lack of fuel that has affected hospitals, schools and banks.
The rare warning from the U.S. State Department comes as Haiti's government and police are struggling to control gangs that have blocked fuel distribution terminals for several weeks.
"Widespread fuel shortages may limit essential services in an emergency, including access to banks, money transfers, urgent medical care, internet and telecommunications, and public and private transportation options," the State Department warned on Wednesday. "The U.S. Embassy is unlikely to be able to assist U.S. citizens in Haiti with departure if commercial options become unavailable."
It's unclear how many U.S. citizens currently live in Haiti. A State Department official told The Associated Press that it does not provide those statistics and U.S. citizens are not required to register their travel to a foreign country.
Canada also issued a similar warning on Wednesday: "If you're in Haiti and your presence isn't essential, consider leaving if you can do so safely."
