News

Afghanistan’s Kabul Faces Water Shortage by 2030

Climate change and population growth drive crisis
Photo: Unsplash

Kabul could run out of drinking water within five years, according to The Guardian, citing the humanitarian organisation Mercy Corps.

Mercy Corps estimates that the Afghan capital has already lost half of its wells due to drying out. Climate change and rapid population growth are worsening the situation.

Most residents rely on polluted water, while some households spend up to 30% of their income on it. Mercy Corps has urged the international community to address the crisis to prevent increased migration and a further decline in living conditions for Afghans.

In 2024, Afghan authorities reported that 21 mln people in the country lack access to clean drinking water due to the effects of climate change.

Earlier, Kursiv Uzbekistan reported that by the end of December 2024, Afghanistan had completed 81% of the construction of the Qosh Tepa Canal.