U.S. issues travel warning for Haiti following devastating earthquake

January 15th, 2010 - 3:17 am ICT by BNO News  

Haiti Earthquake pictures WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) — The United States on Thursday issued a travel warning for Haiti in the aftermath of last Tuesday’s devastating earthquake, which killed at least thousands of people. The travel warning replaces a travel alert, which was initially issued following the earthquake.

“The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the situation in Haiti and urges them to avoid travel to Haiti in the aftermath of a powerful earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12,” the travel alert read.

The U.S. State Department says its embassy is working to ascertain the extent of the damage and check on the status of missing U.S. citizens around the island. Nonemergency U.S. government personnel have been ordered to depart Haiti.

“There are reports of extensive damage, and communications remain extremely difficult,” the alert read. “Additional aftershocks remain a possibility.”

The U.S. government urges U.S. citizens in Haiti to remain in shelter and avoid downed power lines. “Evacuation flights have begun to depart the International Airport in Port-au-Prince. U.S. citizens wishing to depart Haiti should make their way to the airport during early daylight hours, in as safe a manner as possible,” it said.

U.S. citizens who want to depart Haiti are encouraged to, if available, bring their passport and identification. Americans are also encouraged to bring food, water and supplies because facilities at the airport are limited nonexistent.

The travel warning for Haiti is set to expire on February 13, but may be extended if necessary.

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