Afghanistan: Power outages reported in multiple areas of Kabul due to snowfall Jan. 5

Event

Power outages are occurring in multiple areas of Kabul Jan. 5 due to heavy snowfall. Officials at state-run utility provider Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) have reported that 45 substations have closed due to the adverse weather. Authorities are working to restore electricity.

Diplomatic missions, government buildings, upscale hotels and restaurants, larger companies, and airports that generally rely on private generators are unlikely to be directly affected by the power outage; however, smaller businesses may be forced to shut down. Traffic disruptions are possible in Kabul as traffic lights may not function in affected parts of the city. Security and water filtration systems dependent on local power infrastructure may also be affected.

Context

Fuel supply shortages and electricity disruptions occur regularly during the winter months.

Advice

Confirm all business appointments in Kabul, as well as the functioning of security systems. Allow additional time for travel in urban areas, treat any malfunctioning traffic light as a four-way stop, and plan for commercial disruptions. Charge electronic devices when possible in case outages are prolonged.