Water Crisis in Laghman Claims Lives of Five Children
Tawazon – A deepening drinking water crisis in Afghanistan’s eastern Laghman province has claimed the lives of five children in the past week, according to local sources. The children, all from the Saigul Valley in Alishing district, reportedly died after consuming contaminated water, as their communities lack access to safe drinking sources.
Residents say they have repeatedly appealed to the Taliban authorities for assistance, urging them to address this life-threatening issue. However, no meaningful action has been taken so far. According to locals, most families are forced to drink from open streams, which are not safe for human consumption.
Community members have also accused Taliban officials of discriminatory practices in reconstruction and development projects, claiming that aid and infrastructure are delivered based on favoritism rather than need.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) recently reported that reduced rainfall and rising temperatures have exacerbated drought conditions across the country. According to OCHA, nearly 67% of Afghan households are now facing serious challenges in accessing water.
Experts warn that the unsustainable use of natural water resources, lack of storage infrastructure such as dams, and poor management of groundwater have made it difficult for people to access the clean and safevwater they need. Without effective intervention, they caution, Afghanistan could face a large-scale humanitarian catastrophe in the upcoming years.
