Sawt Falasteen - Long-awaited first snowfall brings relief to water-scarce Kabul

Snow usually comes to the Afghan capital in December, but its six million inhabitants are increasingly feeling the effects of climate change, which has brought rising temperatures and water shortages that have disrupted daily life.

"In recent years, snow in Kabul has felt like nothing less than a blessing," 22-year-old Rukhsar Adel told AFP.

She and her family eagerly checked the weather forecast the night before and felt "happy and relieved" when white flakes started to fall on Thursday morning.

Kabul may run out of ground water by as early as 2030 due to climate change and rapid urbanisation, studies show.

A United Nations projection also indicates that nearly half of Kabul's boreholes -- the primary source of drinking water for residents -- are already dry.

"More than half of the winter had already passed without snowfall. People became worried and even prayed for snow," Adel said.

- Hope for water -

"We all need water, and there is a lack of water in Kabul," said 32-year-old Hekmatullah Ahady, adding that a 100-meter-deep (330-foot) well at his house dried up last year.

He said he hoped the snow would help to replenish water levels and make it easier for his family to get water.

Plus, he said, seeing the city blanketed in white was "so nice", even though his commute to work took longer.

Severe storms and heavy rains have killed at least 15 people, including children, across Afghanistan in the last three days, officials have said, though there have been no reported casualties in Kabul.

Heavy snow both in the provinces and the capital has caused traffic accidents, with rescue teams mobilised all night to give assistance, according to the National Disaster Management Authority.

In a change from Kabul's traffic-clogged streets, people enjoyed a rare dose of quiet as some drivers left their cars unused.

Boys took full advantage, hurling snowballs at each other along roadsides and in alleys, while small crowds gathered at street stalls to buy warm soup or coffee.

L.AbuAli--SF-PST