Kabul’s Migrants Face Dire Water Shortages Amid Growing Crisis

Families from various provinces have migrated to Kabul, but they are facing severe water shortages and economic challenges in the city. Experts are raising alarms about the water crisis in Kabul.

Migrating Families Confront Water Crisis in Kabul

Families from different regions of Afghanistan have moved to Kabul due to drought and climate changes, only to find themselves grappling with significant water and livelihood issues in the capital. Many of these families had hoped for better conditions in Kabul but are encountering similar challenges.

Ibrahim, who migrated from Logar province, shares his experience regarding the water problems in the city: “We came to Kabul because of the drought, but here we are also facing water shortages.” Ali, another migrant from Ghazni province, emphasizes, “The drought forced us to leave our homes, and now we are facing the same difficulties in Kabul.”

Samira, a resident of Kabul, points to the dwindling water resources, stating, “Accessing water has become more difficult compared to previous years, and families are now having to purchase water to meet their essential needs.” Environmental experts are also concerned about the water situation in Kabul, warning about the pressure on water resources from the increasing population.

Significant Decline in Drinking Water; New Challenges for Residents

Ahmad Javed Noor, an environmental expert, comments, “Kabul does not have the capacity to support this population, and immediate measures need to be taken by the government.” Alongside these issues, the International Committee of the Red Cross has warned that 33 million people in Afghanistan are suffering from water shortages.

UNICEF has also reported that only two out of ten people in Afghanistan have access to safe drinking water, and the situation continues to deteriorate in Kabul. Additionally, Mercy Corps has noted that nearly 80 percent of Kabul’s groundwater is contaminated, posing serious health risks to the residents.