Kabul’s district 13 is battling a severe water shortage that has left many families struggling to meet their daily needs. residents say taps have been running dry for weeks, forcing them to travel long distances or pay high prices for water brought in by tankers.
The situation has hit low-income households the hardest, with some spending a large part of their income just to secure enough water for drinking and cooking. many say they have been rationing every drop, prioritising essential use and cutting back on cleaning and bathing.
Years of Water Shortage Issue in Kabul
District 13, located in the western part of Kabul, has faced water supply issues for years, but locals say this summer’s shortage is among the worst they have experienced. “we have children at home, and without water life becomes unbearable,” one resident said, adding that repeated requests for help from authorities have gone unanswered.
Environmental experts link the worsening shortage to a combination of climate change, outdated infrastructure, and a growing population in the city. they warn that without urgent action, other parts of Kabul could face similar crises in the coming months.
For now, the people of district 13 say they are left to cope on their own, hoping that relief will come soon. the kabul water shortage continues to deepen, testing the resilience of a community already living with daily hardships.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, August 11th, 2025
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