Enhanced Flood Risk Evaluation in Ferozepur District, Punjab through GIS and Analytic Hierarchy Process

Effective disaster risk management and urban planning require robust flood vulnerability assessment methodologies, particularly in regions susceptible to flooding. Ferozepur district, Punjab, confronts substantial challenges concerning flood risk, underscoring the necessity for a comprehensive vulnerability assessment approach. This study presents an exhaustive investigation into flood vulnerability assessment in Ferozepur district, Punjab, employing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) as a multi-criteria framework. The primary aim is to develop a robust flood vulnerability assessment framework, integrating various thematic maps such as aspect, distance to river, elevation, flow accumulation, flow direction, drainage density, contour, Landsat 8 imagery, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), land use and land cover (LULC), annual rainfall, roughness, slope, stream network and topographic wetness index (TWI). Through the synthesis of these thematic maps, areas susceptible to flooding within Ferozepur district have been accurately delineated. The study underscores the significance of employing multiple criteria and GIS methodologies for precise flood vulnerability assessment. Findings reveal that regions characterized by high drainage density, low elevation and proximity to rivers exhibit heightened vulnerability to flooding. Factors such as land cover, rainfall intensity and terrain roughness exert substantial influence on flood vulnerability. Specifically, the study delineates regions highly susceptible and less susceptible to flood risks. The newly established flood vulnerability assessment framework provides essential guidance for policymakers, urban planners and emergency response agencies to mitigate flood risks.