Recent attacks by vandals on a power plant and four power substations in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, have resulted in parts of the country, including the area outside the U.S. embassy, being plunged into darkness. Électricité D'Haïti (EDH) reported that several of its premises were sabotaged, leading to damage of materials and destruction of documents. The acts of vandalism have worsened the financial and technical situation of the company, with four power substations and the Varreux Power Plant in Port-au-Prince being destroyed and rendered dysfunctional.
This disruption has cut off electricity to numerous areas, including the 'USA Embassy Entrance' and a local hospital. EDH stated that important documents, electrical installations, cables, inverters, batteries, as well as computer and office equipment were stolen during the attacks. Authorities are currently working to restore power to the affected regions.
The State Department disclosed that nearly 1,000 Americans have submitted a 'crisis intake form' seeking assistance in Haiti. A State Department spokesperson emphasized the severity of the humanitarian crisis in Haiti, citing ongoing gang violence that has made the security situation in the country untenable.
The spokesperson highlighted the fluidity of the situation and the close monitoring of the number of individuals reaching out for help through the crisis intake form. The safety and security of American citizens were underscored as the highest priority, with evaluations being made on transportation options and overall security conditions in the region.
