Canada, U.S. urge citizens to leave Haiti amid deepening turmoil

The U.S. and Canadian governments are each 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. Gas stations remained closed on Thursday.

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."

Global Affairs Canada said on Thursday that it is temporarily withdrawing non-essential Canadian employees and family of Canadian Embassy staff in the country.

"The safety of Canadians is our highest priority at all times, and to this end our embassy in Port-au-Prince remains open," the statement said.

The warnings come as U.S. and Haitian authorities are trying to secure the safe release of 17 members of a missionary group from Ohio-based Christian Aid Ministries who were kidnapped by the 400 Mawozo gang on Oct. 16. There are five children in the group of 16 U.S. citizens and one Canadian. Their Haitian driver also was abducted.

"We request continued prayer for the kidnappers, that God would soften their hearts," the organization said in a statement on Wednesday. "As you pray, remember the millions of Haitians who are suffering through a time of serious upheaval and unrest."

On Tuesday, top Haitian government officials acknowledged the widespread lack of fuel during a news conference and said they were working to resolve the situation, although they provided no details.

Defence Minister Enold Joseph said the government is investigating why 30 fuel tanks sent to Haiti's southern region went missing, adding that he has observed gasoline being sold on the black market.

In addition, Le Nouvelliste newspaper recently reported that truck drivers have been kidnapped and fuel trucks hijacked.

"Everything is upside down," said Pierre Alex, a 35-year-old who works at a factory that makes clothes hangers. He said his son isn't able to go to school but can't work at home either because there is no power and no internet. "I don't know what saints to call upon to come help me."

The fuel shortage also has threatened Haiti's water supply, which depends on generators, and hospitals in Port-au-Prince and beyond.