In a swift response to escalating violence, Haiti declared a month-long state of emergency and imposed a curfew on the capital, Port-au-Prince.

Armed Haiti gangs intensified their attacks on crucial government infrastructures, prompting authorities to extend the emergency measures.

Finance Minister Michel Patrick Boisvert, acting as prime minister in the absence of Ariel Henry, declared the Haiti state of emergency extension until April 3 in the West Region and Port-au-Prince.

The curfew was prolonged until March 10, aiming to quell the unrest gripping the nation.

The decision comes after a series of attacks, including the assault on a police substation and a critical facility at the main seaport, according to the Miami Herald.

Haiti gangs targeted shipping handlers at the National Port Authority, leading to the looting of premises and the theft of armored vehicles belonging to customers.

Last week, the Haiti port witnessed renewed violence as gangs sabotaged a power plant, severing the electricity supply. The aftermath left hundreds of containers without refrigeration, with suspicions that they were looted.

Armed Gangs Escalate Violence, Targeting Vital Infrastructure

Armed men broke into the capital's Haiti port, looting containers in a series of attacks on critical infrastructure.

Haiti gangs targeted the airport, police stations, and prisons, demanding the removal of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, BBC News reports.

Caribbean Port Services, the port operator, suspended all services, citing "malicious acts of sabotage and vandalism."

Over 20 trucks carrying essential equipment, medical supplies, and food are stranded at the port. The UN's World Food Programme halted its maritime transport service due to "insecurity."

Amid the chaos, the UN humanitarian affairs agency warned of the country's health system nearing collapse.

Hôpital Universitaire la Paix received nearly 70 patients with gunshot wounds, while several medical centers were burned down.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged an "urgent" political transition, emphasizing the need for a broader, more inclusive government.

The violence intensified when Prime Minister Henry left for a regional summit, attempting to return but facing obstacles in both Port-au-Prince and the neighboring Dominican Republic.

Healthcare System in Crisis as Hospitals Struggle to Operate

Haiti's healthcare system teeters on the brink of collapse, with many health centers forced to reduce operations due to violence, lack of personnel, and medicine shortages.

Dujarric, a spokesperson for the country's Civil Protection, revealed that only one public hospital remains operational in Port-au-Prince's metropolitan area, severely hampering emergency services.

Doctors in Haiti plead for assistance amid a dire shortage of oxygen and water.

Dr. Ronald Laroche, overseeing a network of private hospitals, explained the critical situation: "There is no oxygen available, no water, nor can we service the hospitals because of the shutdown of the pumps to provide water to people," CNN noted.

Haiti gangs have converted medical centers into their headquarters, forcing closures to prevent staff kidnappings.

Haiti's Civil Protection faces challenges in gathering information on civilian injuries and deaths amid the ongoing violence.

With more than 20 medical centers affected and two destroyed by gangs, the healthcare system grapples with unprecedented challenges.

As the nation grapples with this crisis, international attention focuses on supporting Haiti in restoring order and ensuring the delivery of essential services to its beleaguered population.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Haiti declares state of emergency - From SABC News