The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that 67% of Afghan households have difficulties accessing potable water.
The office stated on Tuesday that rising temperatures in Afghanistan have exacerbated the water shortage.
OCHA mentioned in a social media post on Tuesday, September 6, that rural families travel an average of 17 minutes to fetch water, while urban families spend twice as much as last year to obtain water.
In 2021, 48% of families in Afghanistan struggled with water access, according to OCHA.
Recently, the European Union Delegation to Afghanistan expressed concern over the worsening water crisis, noting that drought, pollution, and overuse of water resources threaten the population’s water supply.
The severe drought has compounded the critical water scarcity issues, further stressing the country’s fragile water infrastructure.
This crisis affects access to drinking water and agricultural activities, leading to reduced food security for many Afghan families.
The humanitarian situation is dire, with many communities struggling to meet their basic needs amidst these environmental challenges.
In addition to these issues, the ongoing suppressive policies in the country are exacerbating the crisis, particularly affecting women and girls.
Restrictions on women’s and girls’ rights further complicate the situation, limiting their access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.
The combination of severe drought, a deepening humanitarian crisis, and restrictive policies creates a precarious situation for many Afghan families, particularly for vulnerable women and children.
Immediate international support and intervention are crucial to alleviating the suffering of the Afghan population by addressing the water crisis and the broader human rights issues.
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