Hti: Dark days in Gonaives

A food and medical crisis threatened this rebel-held city as gunmen sped through streets in looted trucks, reinforcing barricades against a feared police offensive to halt an uprising that has killed more than 50 people.

Roadblocks have halted most food shipments since the rebellion started last week.

“The problem is grave,'' said Raoul Elysee, of the Haitian Red Cross, meeting with rebels and aid officials to discuss ways to deliver food, medicine and fuel. He said emergency supplies of flour, cooking oil, and other basics would run out in four days.

To compound the problem, doctors have abandoned the hospitals. Have mercy, Lord.