The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, is urging U.S. citizens to shelter in place due to ongoing protests and violence in the country’s capital.
“Due to continuing demonstrations, roadblocks, and violence across Port-au-Prince and throughout Haiti, U.S. citizens should continue to shelter in place,” the embassy said in an alert. “Do not travel to the airport unless you confirmed your flight is departing. Flights are cancelled [Sunday] and the airport has limited food and water available.”
The embassy further warned that due to issues with Internet and phone lines, it “may be difficult to reach people through normal communication methods.”
Embassy staff were also ordered to shelter in place.
The demonstrations are in response to the Haitian government’s increase in fuel prices.
On Saturday, as violence continued through Haiti’s capital, Prime Minister Jack Guy Lafontant suspended the price hike.
Gasoline prices were set to increase 38 percent and diesel prices 47 percent, according to the country’s Commerce Ministry and Economic Ministry.
At least three people have been killed in the violence, and roughly 120 Americans are reportedly staying at a hotel in Port-au-Prince that was targeted by protesters who attempted to set the building on fire, CNN reported.
