Yahoo TV

STORY: Patel said the helicopters are expected to make several trips from Port-au-Prince to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. "We're hoping to keep those options available for American citizens who need them, and the feasibility of that work will continue to be evaluated," Patel said.

According to the State Department, the number of American citizens who have reached out from Haiti is approaching 1,600. "Some are interested in exploring options to leave. Some just want to stay in touch with the United States of America or the embassy. Some want expertise, advice on how to stay safe, and others may not be in a position to leave safely now, but may be in the future," Patel said.

The international presence in Haiti has dwindled as insecurity has increased. Earlier this month, the United Nations and the U.S. and Canadian embassies withdrew their staff.

Over the weekend, the Dominican Republic - which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti - evacuated dozens of its citizens by helicopter, while the Philippines' state news agency PNA said it would repatriate at least 63 of its 115 nationals and was looking at options such as chartering a flight. Commercial flights were suspended.

About 17,000 people left the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area last week, according to U.N. estimates. Many had already been displaced.