India Initiates Evacuation Measures as Violence Escalates in Haiti

New Delhi: India has initiated emergency measures to evacuate its citizens from Haiti amid escalating violence and instability in the Caribbean nation. Following the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry amidst widespread unrest and gang attacks on government institutions, the Ministry of External Affairs has set up a control room and emergency helpline for Indian nationals in Haiti.

Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India stands prepared to evacuate its citizens if necessary and has established a control room at the Ministry of External Affairs. The Indian Embassy in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, which oversees affairs in Haiti, is actively monitoring the situation and in contact with the Indian community in Haiti.

In view of the ongoing developments in Haiti, a 24-hour Control room has been set up at @MEAIndia to provide information and assistance.

In addition, a 24-hour emergency helpline has been set up at @IndiainDR.

Press Release: https://t.co/8jTNI8ONRV pic.twitter.com/ghDQWUpLxC

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) March 15, 2024

Evacuation Measures and Contact Information

The MEA has provided the following contact details for those seeking assistance:

• Toll-Free Control Room: 1800118797
• MEA Control Room Numbers: +91-11-23012113, +91-11-23014104, +91-11-23017905
• Whatsapp Helpline: +91-9968291988
• Email: [email protected]

The Indian Embassy in Santo Domingo is operating a 24-hour emergency helpline for Indian nationals in Haiti. The contact details are as follows:

• Embassy Phone Numbers: +1 (849) 398-9889, +1 (809) 870-3923, +1 (849) 507-7612
• Landline: +1, 8298934233, Extn: 203 / Extn: 213
• Email: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

With an estimated 50 to 80 Indian nationals currently in Haiti, the embassy is ensuring their safety and providing necessary assistance. The Ministry of External Affairs has released contact details for the control room and embassy helpline to provide information and assistance to those affected.

The unrest in Haiti stems from recent attacks by gangs, including a major prison break in Port-au-Prince, resulting in widespread chaos and displacement. Gangs now reportedly control a significant portion of the capital, with ongoing violence prompting tens of thousands to flee their homes.