UNICEF Warns Afghanistan’s Water Crisis Is Deepening, Putting Millions of Children at Risk

UNICEF Warns Afghanistan’s Water Crisis Is Deepening, Putting Millions of Children at Risk
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Afghanistan’s worsening water crisis is being driven by climate change, drought, rising demand, inadequate infrastructure and funding shortages, UNICEF Representative Tajudeen Oyewale has warned. On Saturday, October 24, he said children and communities were increasingly suffering from water shortages and called for sustained support from donors and international partners.

The crisis is particularly severe in Kabul, where groundwater levels reportedly fell by an estimated 25 to 30 metres over the past decade. UNICEF has also warned that more than 8.8 million Afghan children face at least three overlapping climate hazards, including drought, floods and extreme heat. In response, a UNICEF project supported by South Korea has established or rehabilitated water systems serving more than 39,000 children and their families. The agency says further investment in safe water supplies, climate-resilient infrastructure and improved water management is urgently needed.