Kabul’s Water Crisis Deepens as Migrant Families Struggle to Survive

Families from various provinces have migrated to Kabul, only to face a water crisis and livelihood challenges in the city. Experts are raising alarms about the water situation in Kabul.

Immigrant Families in Kabul; The Capital Faces Water Crisis

Due to drought and climate change, families from different provinces of Afghanistan have relocated to Kabul, yet they are encountering serious water and living issues in the city. Many hoped for better conditions, but have found themselves facing similar challenges.

Ibrahim, who has moved from Logar to Kabul, shares his struggles: “We came to Kabul because of the drought, but here we are also dealing with water shortages.” Another migrant, Ali from Ghazni, emphasizes, “The drought forced us to leave our homes, and now in Kabul, we are confronted with the same problems.”

Samira, a resident of Kabul, notes the decreasing water sources, stating, “Access to water has become more difficult compared to previous years, and families need to purchase water for their essential needs.” Environmental experts are also concerned about the water situation in Kabul, warning of the strain that population growth is putting on water resources.

Severe Drinking Water Shortage in Kabul; New Challenges for Residents

Environmental expert Ahmad Javed Noor comments, “Kabul does not have the capacity to support this population, and immediate measures are needed from the government.” Alongside these problems, the International Committee of the Red Cross has warned that 33 million people in Afghanistan are suffering from water scarcity.

UNICEF has reported that only two out of ten people in Afghanistan have access to safe drinking water, with conditions in Kabul continuously deteriorating. Additionally, Mercy Corps has indicated that about 80 percent of Kabul’s groundwater is contaminated, posing a serious health threat to residents.