Florida residents are expressing deep concerns for their loved ones in Haiti as the country grapples with escalating violence and unrest. The ongoing turmoil has left many feeling trapped in their own homes, unable to venture out due to safety concerns.
The Gaskov Clerge Foundation, based in Boynton Beach, has been actively involved in providing healthcare, education, and sports opportunities in both Haiti and the U.S. for over twenty years. The foundation's founder remarked on the unprecedented level of devastation witnessed in Haiti, expressing a sense of helplessness and despair at the current situation.
Armed gangs launched a series of attacks in Haiti approximately a month ago, targeting prisons, police stations, the international airport, as well as upscale neighborhoods and other areas in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. The violence has resulted in numerous casualties and a significant displacement of residents, leading to concerns about a deepening humanitarian crisis.
Many Haitians, both within the country and abroad, are directly impacted by the violence. Families in Port-au-Prince are reportedly confined to their homes, fearing for their safety if they were to venture outside. The sense of insecurity and fear has gripped the nation, leaving many feeling vulnerable and uncertain about the future.
In response to the escalating situation, the U.S. State Department and the Florida Department of Emergency Management have initiated chartered evacuation flights to bring U.S. citizens back to safety. Over 200 individuals have been evacuated from Haiti and flown back to Florida in an effort to ensure their well-being amidst the ongoing crisis.
