Over 21 Million People in Afghanistan Lack Access to Safe Drinking Water, EU Warns

The EU warns that more than 21 million people in Afghanistan lack safe drinking water, prompting emergency aid including wells and water pumps.

The European Union’s humanitarian arm in Asia and the Pacific has warned that more than 21 million people across Afghanistan do not have access to safe drinking water, highlighting a deepening national crisis.

The EU said it is responding by installing water pumps and drilling wells in several regions to improve access to clean water, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas.

Afghanistan’s water crisis is increasingly widespread, affecting millions and severely impacting public health, food security, and social stability. Prolonged droughts, climate change, and damaged infrastructure have exacerbated the situation.

UNICEF reports that nearly 80 percent of Afghans rely on contaminated water for drinking, significantly raising the risk of waterborne diseases, including diarrhoea and cholera, especially among children and the elderly.

Health experts warn that without immediate intervention, unsafe water usage could trigger widespread outbreaks of preventable illnesses and further strain already fragile healthcare systems.

Aid agencies stress that urgent international support and investment in water infrastructure, along with climate-resilient solutions, are critical to mitigating the crisis and preventing further human suffering.

Meanehile, short-term relief projects like wells and pumps are underway, long-term solutions are essential to secure safe drinking water and protect Afghanistan’s most vulnerable populations.

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