Multidimensional Vulnerability Assessment of Flood-Prone Rural Communities of Pakistan

Abstract Rural settlements have experienced a noticeable increase in extreme weather events and associated disasters in recent years. Pakistan is consistently ranked as one of the most affected regions globally, and the catastrophic floods of 2022 further underscored its vulnerability to floods, causing unprecedented human, economic, and environmental losses. This study conducted a multidimensional vulnerability assessment of flood-prone rural areas in Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan, using a composite index approach informed by principal component analysis (PCA). Principal component analysis was employed to assign statistically robust weights to selected indicators, ensuring an objective aggregation of vulnerability components. A questionnaire with a mix of closed-ended and open-ended items was used to collect data through a household survey. The findings revealed that a substantial proportion (40%) of respondents experienced high multidimensional vulnerability, while approximately 30% exhibited moderate vulnerability. Factors such as age distribution, household income, infrastructure quality, and risk perception significantly contributed to overall vulnerability. This study developed a scalable and replicable model for assessing rural flood vulnerability, offering practical insights for policymakers, planners, and disaster management authorities.