Families Face Eviction and Homelessness as Winter Approaches in Kabul

An urgent eviction order in Chahlestoon, Kabul, has put families at risk of homelessness as they face the impending winter. Escalating rents and a lack of alternative housing options have aggravated the challenges for residents in this area.

Urgent eviction order in Chahlestoon, Kabul, puts families at risk of homelessness

The National Disaster Management Authority has recently announced that residents living on the slopes of Chahlestoon mountain in Kabul must evacuate immediately. This decision has caused significant concern for hundreds of low-income families, placing them at risk of homelessness just as winter approaches.

Residents of the area report that widespread poverty makes it impossible for them to afford the rising rental costs in the city. They argue that without government support, evacuating the area will not be feasible. Officials from the authority noted on September 19 that part of Chahlestoon mountain has become susceptible to landslides due to unregulated mining activities, necessitating that residents leave their homes for their safety.

As winter sets in, rental prices in Kabul have surged to 18,000 Afghanis

At the same time, local residents emphasize that they have not been provided with alternative housing or funds for relocation. They also highlight the sharp increase in rental prices that coincided with the return of migrants from neighboring countries, with rent now reaching between 10,000 to 18,000 Afghanis. Such amounts are exorbitant for laborers and low-income individuals.

Many families have warned that leaving their homes without suitable shelter as winter approaches could jeopardize their lives. They urge officials to address their emergency situation, asserting that without a viable solution, the threat of homelessness and serious difficulties looms large.

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