UN: Power cuts and water shortages deepening Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis

Afghanistan’s cities are facing worsening electricity shortages that are disrupting daily life and compounding an already severe humanitarian crisis, according to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).

In a statement cited by Afghan broadcaster Tolo News, UN-Habitat said frequent power cuts are affecting households across urban areas.

The agency noted that families experience daily blackouts, businesses are struggling to operate, and children are unable to study in the evenings due to the lack of reliable electricity.

The UN agency said investment in renewable energy is essential for building resilient and sustainable Afghan cities.

It added that clean energy solutions could help reduce pressure on fragile infrastructure while supporting long-term urban development.

The electricity crisis comes as access to basic services continues to deteriorate nationwide. The European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid agency said more than 21 million people in Afghanistan currently lack access to safe drinking water.

The agency stated that, with EU support, the humanitarian organisation Solidarités International will construct hand pumps and water wells to improve access to clean water. No further details on the scope or locations of the project have been announced.

Last week, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned that Afghanistan is facing one of the world’s most urgent humanitarian emergencies.

In a report, UNICEF said more than 2.6 million Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan since the start of 2025, thus adding significant strain on housing, food supplies, and health and education systems.

Speaking at a United Nations Security Council meeting on Afghanistan, the acting head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Georgette Gagnon, said the scale of need remains alarming.

Summarising the situation, she told the council that “the situation of the Afghan people, especially women and girls, demands both urgent attention and greater international support.”

Gagnon added that more than 23 million Afghans are expected to require humanitarian assistance in 2026, warning that needs are “staggering and growing.”

Copied