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Recent rains boost hydroelectric power production in Afghanistan, DABS says

Naghlu Dam in 2019. File photo.

Recent heavy rains have significantly increased hydroelectric power generation at the Naghlu, Sarubi, and Mahipar dams, according to Taliban-run Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS), the country’s power distributor.

DABS has said that the rainfall has added approximately 1,360 megawatts of electricity over the past 24 hours across these three facilities.

The Naghlu Dam, located about 40 kilometers east of Kabul in the Surobi District, primarily generates hydroelectric power with a design capacity of 100 MW.

The Mahipar Dam, also approximately 40 kilometers from Kabul, was constructed in 1952 with German assistance and houses three turbines. Currently, only one turbine is operational, providing 19 megawatts, while the others are in disrepair.

The Sarubi Dam, situated east of Kabul, has a capacity of 180 megawatts.

The Taliban’s meteorological department had forecasted four days of intense rain and snow across Afghanistan, which has contributed to the increase in power generation.

Afghanistan relies heavily on imported electricity, drawing over 670 megawatts from neighboring Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, costing between $250 million and $280 million annually.