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In the absence of a fully functioning government since the killing of Mr. Moïse, the gangs’ power has only grown.

A spate of natural disasters has made things only worse.

In August, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake deepened the devastation of a country that has yet to recover from a quake in 2010 that killed more than 200,000 people. Rescue efforts this summer were initially hampered by security concerns, and aid flowed freely only after gangs that controlled a highway connecting the southern peninsula to the rest of Haiti declared a truce.

A severe storm followed days later.

In recent weeks, Haitian security forces have stepped up their operations to counter the criminal organizations, but security experts say that the government lacks a coherent strategy. The Haitian police need a complete overhaul, with thousands more police officers needed, a renewed focus on vetting during recruitment and money to buy new equipment, increase salaries and restore morality, American officials say.

Unless a reformed police force can step in to reimpose control after neighborhoods are cleared of the gangs, observers say, the government will be unable to restore stability.

The surging gang violence has prompted peaceful protests of late, with groups in towns and cities demanding a government response. Some blockaded roads and set tires on fire, a common protest symbol in Haiti.

Harold Isaac contributed reporting from Port-au-Prince and Oscar Lopez from Mexico City.