Is Kabul Facing an Unprecedented Water Crisis?
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Synopsis
Kabul is in the grip of a severe water crisis, endangering millions. Residents plead for urgent action from the interim government while UN agencies raise alarms about the alarming situation. With drastic declines in groundwater levels, the city's future hangs in the balance, demanding immediate investments and solutions. Will help arrive in time?
Key Takeaways
- Kabul is experiencing a severe water crisis impacting millions.
- Residents are pleading for government intervention.
- The UN has labeled the situation as unprecedented.
- Drastic declines in groundwater levels threaten future water availability.
- Immediate investments in water infrastructure are crucial.
Kabul, July 19 (NationPress) The capital of Afghanistan, Kabul, is currently experiencing an unprecedented water crisis, which is severely impacting millions of its residents, as reported by local media on Saturday.
Recent findings indicate a significant drop in water levels across central and western Kabul, according to a report from Afghan media outlet TOLO News.
“Water is essential for survival. Without it, daily life becomes incredibly challenging. If these petrol stations cease water distribution, people could perish from hunger and thirst,” expressed Mohammad Agha, a local inhabitant.
Another resident lamented, “Children and women roam the streets day and night with buckets in search of water, but it remains elusive.”
City dwellers have urgently called upon the Taliban-led interim government to alleviate their plight by enhancing the water supply infrastructure and drilling deeper wells.
On Thursday, the United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN-Habitat) in Afghanistan characterized the water crisis as “unprecedented.”
The UN agency highlighted that the alarming decline in water levels in Kabul threatens nearly six million residents, putting them at severe risk of water scarcity.
“Addressing this crisis requires substantial investment, robust collaboration, and increased public awareness regarding water management. Water is life. We must act immediately,” the UN agency posted on social media.
A recent study by NGO Mercy Corps revealed that some households in Kabul allocate up to 30% of their income for water, with more than two-thirds accruing water-related debt.
“The extraction of groundwater far exceeds natural replenishment, and almost half of the city’s boreholes are already dry. Without urgent and coordinated investments, Kabul risks becoming the first modern capital to run out of water,” the report stated.
It was noted that up to 80% of groundwater is considered unsafe, containing high levels of sewage, arsenic, and salinity, presenting immediate public health hazards.
Earlier in March, UN-Habitat warned that 21 million individuals across the country require access to water, sanitation, and health support.
“Major cities such as Kandahar, Kabul, and Herat are grappling with water shortages due to the depletion of their groundwater resources. The UN has consistently highlighted this issue, indicating the critical need for large-scale investments,” asserted Stephanie Loose, head of UN-Habitat in Afghanistan, emphasizing the necessity for significant advancements in water infrastructure.
Point of View
I believe that the plight of Kabul's residents during this water crisis highlights the urgent need for responsible governance and investment in infrastructure. The situation calls for collaboration between the interim government and international organizations to ensure access to a basic necessity: water. It's a matter of life and death for millions.
NationPress
19/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing the water crisis in Kabul?
The water crisis in Kabul is primarily due to a dramatic decline in groundwater levels, unsustainable extraction practices, and lack of infrastructure investment.
How many people are affected by the water shortage?
Nearly six million residents in Kabul are facing significant risk due to the water crisis.
What solutions are being proposed?
Residents are urging the interim government to enhance water supply infrastructure, dig deeper wells, and facilitate public awareness on water management.
What are the health risks associated with the water crisis?
Up to 80% of groundwater in Kabul is reported as unsafe, containing high levels of sewage, arsenic, and salinity, posing severe public health risks.
What support is the UN providing?
The UN-Habitat has emphasized the need for large-scale investments and collaboration to address the water crisis and ensure access to water and sanitation for millions.
