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Power Outage Leaves 11 Afghan Provinces Without Electricity

Afghanistan’s state utility says repairs continue after a major line from Uzbekistan was severed, leaving Kabul and 10 provinces without power for days
Photo: kabulnow.com

A major power outage has entered its fourth day across 11 provinces of Afghanistan, including Kabul, after electricity imports from Uzbekistan were cut off, the state-run Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) said on Monday.

The main transmission line carrying imported power from Uzbekistan was severed along the Amu River, where repairs have been slowed by difficult terrain and security concerns. DABS engineers have been working for three days but, by Monday evening, electricity had not yet been restored, despite earlier promises of resumption by noon.

Residents in Kabul and several northern provinces reported severe disruptions, relying on generators and solar panels.

«There’s been no electricity for days. Businesses can’t operate, and families are struggling with water pumps and heating,» said a resident in Dasht-e-Barchi, a district of Kabul.

The blackout has affected markets, hospitals, and schools, especially in the capital, where power is crucial for water supply and communications.

Afghanistan depends on imports for nearly 80% of its electricity, with Uzbekistan providing about half. Domestic production remains limited to small hydro, thermal, and solar projects.

Since the Taliban took power in 2021, repeated blackouts and payment disputes with regional suppliers have highlighted the fragility of the country’s energy system.

DABS said repair work was ongoing but gave no timeline for full restoration.