Violent riots and demonstrations make life difficult for many in Haiti. Now several thousand are without water as a tropical storm approaches.
Less than 20 minutes ago
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Thousands of people are without water in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, after the water supply was cut off due to demonstrations and riots this week.
Several residents have been forced to stay indoors due to violent protests against rising fuel prices and crime in the country. Gunshots were fired in the streets and several car tires were set on fire.
This has led to companies that supply water in the city to be stopped or delayed in their work, despite the temperatures being 34 degrees Celsius.
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Tropical storm coming
Tropical storm Fiona, which could be headed for Haiti, has made it even more urgent to get water on time.
Several residents then used a half-day ceasefire on Saturday to rush to the city’s distribution center for water, according to eyewitnesses.
Several countries have temporarily closed their embassies in the capital of Haiti due to the unrest. Haiti is one of the poorest countries on the American continent.
Chaos and riots
Last week, the country’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry said the state lacks the funds to maintain fuel subsidies, which will significantly increase the prices of gasoline and other fuels. According to AFP, the price of diesel is expected to almost double.
The demonstrations also led to the blockade of several streets, the stop of public transport and the closure of many shops and other businesses for fear of being looted.
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