An integrated approach to flood risk assessment using multi-criteria decision analysis and geographic information system. A case study from a flood-prone region of Pakistan

Flood risk assessment is crucial for effective disaster risk management and community resilience. However, the current research lacks strength in identifying high-risk areas, implementing flood early warning systems, prioritising risk reduction measures, and allocating resources for emergency response planning and management. This study aims to assess flood hazard in Mirzadhare, Charsadda a highly flood-prone area in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The study used an integrated approach by employing geographical information system (GIS) and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) techniques. Further, the study used multiple datasets, including rainfall, stream density, and village points to map out flood susceptibility in the study region. Data was collected from field surveys, questionnaires, and interviews, allowing for a detailed analysis of flood hazards. Selecting average precipitation, peak river flow, and historical flood frequency as indicators, the weights of the three are 0.4, 0.3, and 0.3 respectively, an indicator system for predicting flood disasters was constructed. The results categorised the study area into four hazard zones: very high, high, medium, and low, based on their susceptibility to flood hazards. The study findings reveal that more than 65% of the area, including agricultural land with other livelihood settlements, is at a very high risk of flood hazard. Over 50% of the population lives in floodplains and faces an extremely high risk of future flood events. The precision of the results may have been affected by the accuracy and completeness of the data sources utilised, such as historical flood records, precipitation data, stream network data, and stream density. This combination of methods enabled the creation of accurate, data-driven flood risk maps. The hazard map of the area serves as a valuable tool for decision-making, resource allocation, and the development of flood risk management strategies. Based on the study findings, regular updates and continuous monitoring are recommended to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the flood hazard information over time.