Evacuation Order in Kabul Puts Families at Winter Risk Amid Rising Rent Crisis

A recent evacuation order in the Chahlastoon area of Kabul has put families at risk of homelessness as temperatures begin to drop. The skyrocketing rent prices and lack of alternative housing options have intensified the difficulties faced by residents in this region.

Immediate Evacuation Order in Chahlastoon, Kabul Places Families at Risk of Homelessness

The National Disaster Management Authority has recently announced that residents living in the foothills of the Chahlastoon mountains in Kabul must evacuate immediately. This decision has raised serious concerns for hundreds of low-income families, putting them at risk of being without shelter as winter approaches.

Residents of the area report that due to widespread poverty, they cannot afford the high rental prices in the city, and without necessary support from the government, it will be impossible for them to leave the area. Officials from the authority indicated on September 19 that part of the Chahlastoon mountain is at risk of landslides due to improper mining practices, necessitating the evacuation of local homes to ensure residents’ safety.

With Winter Approaching, Rent Prices in Kabul Have Soared to 18,000 Afghani

Furthermore, local residents emphasize that no alternative housing or budget for relocation has been provided. They have also pointed out the sharp rise in rental prices, which have surged along with the return of migrants from neighboring countries, reaching between 10,000 to 18,000 Afghani. Such amounts are exorbitant for laborers and low-income individuals.

Many families warn that leaving their homes without a suitable shelter as winter approaches could jeopardize their lives. They urge officials to address their emergency situation, as the lack of a viable solution poses a severe threat of homelessness and significant hardships.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Taliban’s disaster management authority has not responded to media inquiries regarding the fate of these citizens. This office previously promised that necessary measures would be taken to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of residents in the area following technical and engineering assessments.