As millions of Afghans repatriate from neighbouring countries amidst a backdrop of political turmoil, Afghanistan is spiralling into a severe water crisis. This situation is exacerbated by significant reductions in foreign aid and the Taliban’s management of resources, creating a complex humanitarian emergency that demands urgent attention.
A Diminishing Water Supply
Recent reports indicate that Afghanistan is grappling with an alarming decline in water availability, particularly in the capital, Kabul. Arshad Malilk, the regional director for Save the Children Asia, highlighted the stark reality during his recent visit to the city. “The amount of snow on the mountains surrounding the capital was remarkably less than previous years,” he noted, emphasising the unusual weather patterns that have characterised this season. The current wet season has recorded the lowest snowfall in 25 years, leading to a considerable drop in groundwater levels and jeopardising the already precarious water infrastructure.
The Qargha Dam, an essential water source for Kabul’s six million residents, is crumbling and its water reserve is dwindling. As groundwater supplies diminish, the agricultural sector—integral to the livelihoods of roughly 75% of the population—faces dire consequences, intensifying food insecurity. Households in Kabul reportedly allocate up to 30% of their income on water, while approximately 80% of the city’s groundwater remains contaminated due to pollution, making it unsafe for consumption.
The Humanitarian Impact of Mass Returnees
Since 2023, over five million Afghans have returned to their homeland from Iran and Pakistan, significantly increasing the country’s population by more than 10%. This influx has transformed the migration landscape in Asia, as many returnees are fleeing dire conditions in their host countries. The situation has led to a marked strain on water resources, with reports indicating that three-quarters of households in districts receiving returnees struggle to access clean water.
Marianna von Zahn, Mercy Corps’ director of programmes for Afghanistan, explains the ramifications: “In communities where we had rehabilitated water networks, the sudden addition of hundreds of families has resulted in only 50% of the required water being supplied.” This precarious situation is being replicated across various regions as the population swells, leading to severe shortages that threaten the health and well-being of vulnerable families.
Aid Cuts and Infrastructure Challenges
The challenges posed by the water crisis are compounded by drastic cuts in international aid. A report from Mercy Corps indicates a staggering 37% decrease in humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan from countries such as the US and UK in 2025. This reduction has forced NGOs to make painful concessions, impacting health, education, and access to clean water for millions.
Wasiq, a 60-year-old farmer from Kandahar, epitomises the struggles faced by many. After years of drought led to the collapse of local irrigation systems, his family was compelled to abandon their land in search of work. “Drought is a silent killer, destroying everything in our community,” he lamented, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable agricultural support and water management solutions.
Despite small wins, such as the installation of a solar-powered water supply system by Save the Children, the overall trend remains grim. With ongoing aid cuts, larger-scale interventions, including the construction of new water infrastructure, are becoming increasingly unlikely.
The Role of the Taliban in Crisis Management
The Taliban’s governance has raised concerns regarding the management of the escalating water crisis. Critics accuse the regime of downplaying the severity of the situation while promising swift solutions, such as the construction of the Shah Toot Dam, which remains unrealised.
Aid workers have observed that while Afghans demonstrate resilience through community-led initiatives, significant international funding is crucial to adapt to the evolving water crisis effectively. The call for a multi-faceted approach, combining community efforts with substantial investment in water infrastructure, is becoming increasingly urgent.
Why it Matters
The intersection of climate change, political instability, and mass migration in Afghanistan creates a perfect storm that threatens not only the immediate survival of millions but also regional stability. As the country faces an unprecedented water crisis, the implications extend beyond humanitarian concerns; they pose a risk of escalating conflict over resources and further destabilising a nation already on the brink. Immediate action, both in terms of humanitarian aid and sustainable infrastructure investment, is essential to avert a potential catastrophe that could reverberate across the region.
