Kabul, Afghanistan – The capital city of Kabul is currently facing one of the worst water shortages in its history, putting the health and survival of millions of residents at risk.
Recent data and on-the-ground reports reveal that water levels in many central and western areas of the city have plummeted, leaving families with limited or no access to clean drinking water. The deepening crisis has sparked alarm across communities already dealing with economic hardship and inadequate infrastructure.
Mohammad Agha, a resident of Kabul, voiced the desperation many feel:
“Everything depends on water. Without it, life becomes extremely difficult. If these petrol stations stop giving water, people will die of hunger and thirst.”
Residents say that informal access points — such as water distributed by fuel stations — have become the last lifeline for many neighborhoods.
Najibullah, another Kabul resident, added:
“Children and women wander day and night with buckets, but there’s no water. A woman came and said she hadn’t even performed ablution today because there’s not enough water for that.”
According to a recent report by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), nearly six million people in Kabul are now at risk of severe water scarcity, with groundwater depletion reaching critical levels.
UN-Habitat describes the situation as “unprecedented,” calling for urgent and large-scale investment, improved public awareness on water usage, and greater cooperation between government bodies and the public.
“Without immediate intervention, this crisis could escalate into a full-blown humanitarian emergency,” the agency warned.
In response to the crisis, Kabul residents are calling on the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to act swiftly and decisively. Many are demanding the expansion of municipal water networks, digging of deeper wells, and restoration of essential water infrastructure.
Mohammad Naseem, another concerned resident, shared:
“If these petrol stations don’t give us water, no one else will. Our children go to the neighbors for water, but they get beaten and turned away. We are pleading with the Islamic Emirate to drill wells so we can have water access at all hours.”
Despite public outcry, official promises have yet to materialize into tangible action. Repeated statements from government representatives expressing concern and commitment have so far failed to produce results on the ground, further deepening public frustration.
Experts warn that if current trends continue, Kabul could face irreversible water depletion, triggering mass displacement, rising health crises, and a breakdown in basic urban living conditions.
As the crisis worsens, the call for international support, technical expertise, and coordinated local action becomes more urgent than ever.
To follow updates on the Kabul water crisis and other national developments, visit www.u.af.
