Winter in Afghanistan

Like many Westerners, I scoffed at the idea of enduring Kabul's harsh winters. That warning must be for all of these Texans! I survived 4 Chicago winters! They just aren't used to being cold.

However, I'm starting to realize why winter is so difficult in this region. First of all, at nearly 6,000 feet in elevation, Kabul receives snow by the foot! This buildup leads to avalanches that destroy homes, leaving the inhabitants to become frostbitten in sub-zero temperatures. Secondly, there are two options for getting heat. Electricity is rare and absent in most Afghan homes. Even if one can afford an electric heater, the electricity will go out for a few crucial hours every evening. Most Afghans use the second option: fire. If you choose to heat it with kerosene you run the risk of paying exorbitant prices during the winter months, especially if the winter lasts longer than expected. This kind is also more dangerous, as too much kerosene could drip into the oven and cause an explosion. You might instead choose a wood-burning bukhari. This is the least expensive option. But Afghanistan is a very poor country. In the absence of wood, people resort to burning plastic or bits of trash.

As maintaining heat is so difficult, many homes lose their indoor plumbing in winter. The pipes freeze, and without a steady source of heat, they will not thaw until it is closer to spring. Families pump water from the well and store it in a container to use for washing dishes, bathing, cooking, etc.

Washing clothes is another story! If you have working pipes, you can use a washing machine, but without a dryer, it will take about a week to air-dry your clothes in such cold weather!

But before we decide to curl up under several blankets next to the bukhari and tell our colleagues not to disturb us until springtime, think of one positive side to winter in Afghanistan: in winter, the weather is so bad that even the Taliban stay home! :) Enjoy central heating, friends!