Afghanistan: Power outages reported in Kabul city and at least two other provinces, as of June 8, due to militant attacks disrupting supply

Event

Power outages are occurring in Kabul city and across Herat and Parwan provinces in Afghanistan as of June 8. The disruptions are mainly due to technical faults in power plants supplying imported electricity to Afghanistan following militant attacks targeting electricity pylons. Officials from Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) have warned that power disruptions are likely to affect non-emergency users such as government buildings and industries; domestic users may also face shortages in the coming days. Authorities did not indicate when supplies will normalize.

Commercial and communications disruptions are almost certain in Kabul and other affected areas; outages may impact cellular and mobile services. Some essential services, such as banking and fuel stations, may also be affected. Blackouts could adversely affect security protocols, including alarm systems and electronic fences; opportunistic criminal activity could increase during electricity outages.

Civilian protests are not uncommon during prolonged power outages. Demonstrators typically gather outside offices of DABS, government buildings, public squares, and major traffic intersections. Security forces may deploy to large gatherings as a precaution. Clashes are possible if police forcibly break up such rallies. Transport disruptions due to police or protest roadblocks are possible, mainly in cities. Localized business disruptions may occur in case of violence.

Context

As Afghanistan has an inadequate domestic power supply of 160 megawatts, the country imports over 70 percent of its requirement. The unavailability of imported electricity is likely to cause power outages across Afghanistan in the coming days. Restoration may take days, and delays are possible due to security incidents. Recurrent and intermittent power disruptions are likely in the medium term as militant violence escalates across the country ahead of a planned foreign troop withdrawal.

Advice

Charge mobile and communication devices and ensure backup batteries are available. Plan for road travel delays in areas affected by power outages due to possible nonfunctional or malfunctioning traffic lights. Exercise caution when driving in recently impacted areas. Confirm business appointments. Verify that security systems are working. Park vehicles in secure areas, and complete ground movements before nightfall. Ensure that generators are functional and refuel devices where necessary. Avoid all protests as a precaution; leave the area immediately for a secure building if violence breaks out nearby,