Kabul faces severe water shortage issue

Kabul is racing toward a critical water shortage that threatens its residents' survival.

Kabul faces imminent water crisis as reserves dwindle

Kabul, Afghanistan, may soon become the first modern capital to completely run out of water. According to a report from Mercy Corps, over-extraction and a growing population have worsened the water crisis. Families struggle as groundwater levels drop, with nearly half of the city’s boreholes already dry. Residents like Raheela, a mother of four, face tough choices as they pay high prices for limited water, affecting their daily lives and health. The situation is compounded by climate change and political instability following the Taliban's takeover, which has halted foreign aid and worsened the humanitarian crisis.

The swift decline of water resources in Kabul is not just a local issue but signifies a broader trend in global water management. Cities that relied on groundwater are now experiencing shortages as populations grow and climate conditions change. With the Taliban in charge, the aid freeze poses serious risks to essential services. Without decisive action and funding, Kabul’s water crisis can deepen, impacting public health and livelihoods significantly.

Highlights

Urgent intervention is needed to address Kabul's looming water crisis before it becomes irreversible.