Evaluation of Flood Hazard Vulnerabilities and Innovative Management Strategies in Afghanistan's Central Region

doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-4890271/v1

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Evaluation of Flood Hazard Vulnerabilities and Innovative Management Strategies in Afghanistan's Central Region

https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4890271/v1

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published 28 Oct, 2024

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This study assessed flood hazard vulnerable areas and highlighted flood management strategies in central Afghanistan to enhance flood resilience. The study utilized geospatial techniques, AHP, a comprehensive literature review, and key informant interviews for flood management strategies. The lack of region-level flood management policies, flood hazard mapping, and poor flood management governance are key challenges. This study found significant flood vulnerability in Panjsher, Parwan, Wardak, Kapisa, and Kabul. Geographic Information System (GIS) methods categorize flood hazard vulnerable areas as follows: very high (3750 km²), high (4327 km²), moderate (5481 km²), low (6923 km²), and very low (8365 km²) From a total land 28,846 Km2. Interviews revealed flood management and solution strategies, such as pre-flood strategies (local plans, building codes, drainage systems, dams, monitoring, stakeholder engagement) and post-flood strategies (shelter, medical care, evacuations, infrastructure recovery, economic restoration, and public health). Therefore, the government and responsible NGOs are encouraged to implement flood hazard management strategies to reduce the risk and vulnerability to flood hazards.

Afghanistan

Flood hazard Evaluation

Flood management

Flood mitigation strategies

GIS

Floods pose a global threat, impacting communities, economies, and people (De Silva & Kawasaki, 2020; Glago, 2021). It can result from natural phenomena like heavy precipitation, snowmelt, deforestation, or man-made factors such as dam failures (Hariri-Ardebili & Lall, 2021; Molden et al., 2022). The consequences of floods are far-reaching, affecting ecosystems and causing ecological, environmental, economic, and physical damage (Armah et al., 2010; Manzoor et al., 2022; Talbot et al., 2018). Flood risks are influenced by climate change, changes in land use, and socioeconomic factors (Ali et al., 2016; Li et al., 2021; Merz et al., 2014). In order to effectively assess these risks and develop flood management strategies, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing are invaluable tools. Policymakers can rely on these methodologies to make informed decisions when faced with flood threats (Adjei-Darko, 2017; Wang & Xie, 2018).

GIS and remote sensing-based flood assessments in Bangladesh are important for flood risk assessment (Rana et al., 2024). In Golestan province, Iran, a GIS-based flood hazard assessment identified the Chelichay and Sarab Gorganroud sub-watersheds as the most flood-prone areas. The Dough and Middle Gorganroud sub-watersheds have moderate flood risks, while the Payab and Gharesou sub-watersheds have low flood risks (Safaripour et al., 2012). A geospatial study conducted in Pakistan's Sindh Province identified a very high hazard area spanning 6216 km2 out of a total of 46,138 km2 (Uddin et al., 2013). This study evaluated flood-prone areas in the Panjkora River Basin in the eastern Hindu Kush region of Pakistan. A hazard map was created and classified into five susceptibility classes: very low, low, moderate, high, and very high (Ullah and Id, 2020). In Wadi Al Lith, Saudi Arabia, a GIS flood assessment study categorized sub-basins into high, medium, and low hazard degrees, enabling effective flood risk assessment and mitigation planning (Elkhrachy, 2015). In Uttarakhand, India, a flood hazard assessment using GIS and remote sensing found varying vulnerability levels, ranging from very low to extremely high potential flood hazards (Bhatt et al., 2014). A study conducted in Greece's Koiliaris River Basin divided flood hazard vulnerability into five regions with different flood hazard levels. This study identified high-risk areas and settlements that were susceptible to flooding (Kourgialas et al., 2011). In West Africa, a study employing GIS and remote sensing evaluated flood hazard vulnerability. Approximately half of the study area was identified as falling within the high-intensity flood zones. The study demonstrated accurate mapping of flood hazard areas through empirical validation, including a statistical confusion matrix and Participatory GIS principles, achieving an accuracy rate of 77–81% (Asare-Kyei et al., 2015).

Afghanistan is a landlocked country in South Asia (Ahmad et al., 2024; Masomy, 2021), has an arid to semi-arid climate, and is prone to various natural hazards such as floods, earthquakes, landslides, avalanches, and droughts (Hussainzada, 2021; Pal et al., 2023). Approximately 54% of the natural disasters in Afghanistan are related to weather and water. Among low-income countries, Afghanistan ranked second in the number of casualties caused by natural disasters between 1980 and 2015 (Social et al., 2022). Several key causes of floods in Afghanistan include heavy precipitation, topography, defects in irrigation systems, improper dam construction, lack of water management, climate change, soil erosion, and deforestation (Fazel-Rastgar & Sivakumar, 2023; Hagen et al., 2010; Mushwani et al., 2024; Safi et al., 2024). According to the Global Forest Watch report for 2024, Afghanistan lost 1.90 kha of tree cover from 2001 to 2023, resulting in a 0.92% decrease in tree cover since 2000. During the same period, Afghanistan gained 10.7 kha of tree cover, accounting for less than 0.1% of the global total. Deforestation has significantly increased the risk of flooding in Afghanistan, affecting over 800,000 individuals from 2000 to 2015 and causing approximately 100,000 people to be affected annually. The cost of river flooding events can exceed $500 million (Anderson 2024). It is projected that by 2050, the population affected by floods may double owing to climate change and socioeconomic growth. Factors contributing to this include insufficient flood protection infrastructure, limited early warning systems, and expansion of settlements in flood-prone areas (Disasters Profile, 2017). From 2000 to early 2024, floods in Afghanistan resulted in 14,426 fatalities, 75,355 injuries, and the destruction of 137,025 houses (EM-Data, 2024).

The Central Region Provinces; Kabul, Logar, Kapisa, Parwan, Panjsher, and Maydan Wardak are the most vulnerable regions to flood hazards (Ahmadi et al., 2024; Fazel-rastgar, 2023; Mushwani et al., 2024). The flood hazard parameters include climate change, precipitation, snowmelt, lack of drainage systems, inadequate water management, lack of canalization systems, and deforestation (Baig, 2024; Din et al., 2024; Safi et al., 2024; Shokory, Schaefli, Lane, et al., 2023). Inadequate early warning systems, lack of flood management policy, lack of urban planning, low level of community awareness, inadequate socio-economic status, and lack of community participation in flood management activities increase the risk and vulnerability to flood hazards (Mushwani et al., 2024; Pal et al., 2023; Safi, 2023). A comprehensive literature review reveals significant gaps in the existing research on flood-related issues in the central region of Afghanistan. There were no articles or officially published documents regarding the assessment and management of vulnerable flood hazard areas. Despite advancements in geographic technologies, there is a notable gap in the field of flood hazard vulnerability assessments utilizing GIS in the central region of Afghanistan. Thus, this research can fill this gap by focusing on the central region and providing essential information for policymakers, aiding the development of effective flood management policies based on its findings.

A flood risk assessment plays a crucial role in identifying the intensity and flood hazard level (Ahmed et al., 2022; Park et al., 2021; Salman & Li, 2018). Therefore, food hazard assessment is crucial for flood hazard mitigation and Management (De Wrachien et al., 2011). GIS-based modeling for flood hazard assessment is an effective approach to flood hazard management (Hadipour et al., 2020; Salman & Li, 2018). This means that flood hazard assessments help identify vulnerable areas, allowing responsible organizations, decision-makers, and policymakers to implement flood hazard mitigation measures (Atanga, 2020). Studies have shown that GIS tools can produce maps of flood-vulnerable areas (Abdelkareem and Mansour, 2023; Alemu and Ayene, 2023; Safaripour et al., 2012). Key indicators for flood vulnerability mapping include thematic maps such as the Digital Elevation Model (DEM), slope, soil type, elevation, land cover, vegetation, flow accumulation, and precipitation (Abdinour & Jayanta, 2023; Alemu & Ayene, 2023; Bhatt et al., 2014; Elkhrachy, 2015; Selvam et al., 2023; Zehra & Afsar, 2016). GIS modeling plays a crucial role in disaster management by integrating spatial information to enhance response strategies (Abid et al., 2021). Furthermore, the use of technologies such as remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and big data in GIS modeling allows efficient data acquisition, analysis, and dissemination for disaster management (Abid et al., 2022; Rezvani et al., 2023). Overall, GIS modeling in disaster management facilitates rapid response, risk assessment, and effective decision-making to mitigate the impact of disasters on life and safety (Cao et al., 2023; Rezvani et al., 2023). This study aimed to assess vulnerable flood hazard areas and highlight flood hazard management strategies in the central region of Afghanistan. This study provides valuable findings for policymakers and responsible organizations to consider these strategies in future flood management.

Study Area

Afghanistan is a mountainous region located in a subtropical zone between 29°21′ and 38°30′N latitude and 60°31′ and 75°E longitude. It has an arid to semi-arid continental climate, typical of deserts, steppes, and highlands (Shokory, Schaefli, & Lane, 2023). This study focuses on the central region of Afghanistan, including Kabul, Logar, Kapisa, Parwan, Panjsher, and Maydan Wardak (Giacomini et al., 2020) Fig. 1. The study areas of Wardak, Parwan, Panjshir, Kabul, Kapisa, and Logar are located in the Ghorband, Panjshir, Upper Helmand, Upper Kabul, Chak, and Logar Rod watersheds, respectively (Fig. 2). These provinces are vulnerable to river water overflows. The central region experiences arid to semi-arid conditions (Hussainzada et al., 2019; Hussainzada, 2021) and is prone to both natural and anthropogenic disasters. According to the Worldometer 2024 report, Afghanistan's current population is 43,220,198, with a population density of 65 people per km2 and a total land area of 652,860 km2 (252,071 sq. miles). The average annual rainfall is estimated to be approximately 250 mm but varies across the country, ranging from 60 mm in the southwest to 1200 mm in the higher altitudes of the northeast. The central region of Afghanistan has a mean annual precipitation of 370–521 mm/year (Rahimi et al., 2024). The central zones are particularly vulnerable to increasing trends in both precipitation and temperature, indicating a shift towards wetter and warmer climates (Atanga, 2020). The central region has diverse topography, such as the Salang area in Parwan Province, which has an elevation of 3878 m above the mean sea level (Ur et al., 2019; Singh, 2022). The region is highly susceptible to flooding. For example, a devastating flash flood occurred near residential areas in Charikar City, Parwan Province on August 26, 2020, resulting in the loss of over 100 lives, predominantly children and women (Atefi, 2022). Therefore, the central region was selected to assess the vulnerable areas in the country based on flood hazards. The spatial distribution of hazardous areas in the central region was estimated by considering six factors: flow accumulation, slope, land use, rainfall intensity, geology, and elevation (Kourgialas and Karatzas, 2011).

Methods

This study utilized qualitative methods, specifically Geographic Information System (GIS), remote sensing, and AHP for the assessment of flood hazard vulnerable areas and comprehensive literature review and expert interviews to identify the flood management strategies for the central regions. To analyze the flood-vulnerable areas in the central region of Afghanistan a Six key factors, including slope, elevation (DEM), land use, land cover, soil type (texture and infiltration), rainfall, and flow accumulation, were selected. These factors were transformed into a raster format, reclassified, and weighted to develop the level of each factor (See Table 1). Then, all thematic factors were combined in raster calculation and the flood hazard vulnerable areas map was developed in five classes: very low, low, moderate level, high, and very high vulnerability areas. The interviews were conducted with mater of experts based on judgmental methods to identify suitable flood management strategies for the central region of Afghanistan.

Table 1

Indicators Categorization and Weight Evaluation
Factor	Domain of effect	Descriptive level (flood hazard)	Propose weight effect(a)	Rate(b)	Weighting rating (axb)	Total weight	Percentage (%)
Flow accumulation(pixel)	1760 – 3490 1310–1750 685 – 1300 179–684 0 − 178	Very high High Moderate Low Very Low	10 8 5 2 1	1.5	15 12 7.5 3 1.5	39.00	9.15%
Slope(degree)	0–7.36 7.37–16.1 16.2–24.4 24.5–32.9 33–72.2	Very high High Moderate Low Very Low	10 8 5 2 1	2	20 16 10 4 2	52.00	12%
Land use	Waterbody Built-up area/Barren Glass land Savannas/Cropland Tree	Very high High Moderate Low Very Low	10 8 5 2 1	3	30 24 15 6 3	78.00	18.50%
Rainfall (2010–2022)	293–368(mm) 236–292(mm) 211–235(mm) 193–210(mm) 173–192(mm)	Very high High Moderate Low Very Low	10 8 5 2 1	1.5	15 12 7.5 3 1.5	39.00	9.15%
Soil type	Glaciers (GL) SANDY_CLAY_LOAM LOAM( I- Lithosols ) LOAM (Calcaric Fluvisols )	Very high High Moderate Low /Very Low	10 8 5 2	3	30 24 15 6	75.00	17.60%
Elevation(m)	834–2032 2032–2625 2625–3186 3186–3850 3850–5718	Very high High Moderate Low Very Low	10 8 5 2 1	4.5	45 36 22.5 9 4.5	117.00	27.46%
Population density (person per $\:Km2$)	231.4–1207 116.1–231.4 98.6–116.1 75.5–98.6 75.5	Very high High Moderate Low Very Low	10 8 5 2 1	1	10 8 5 2 1	26.00	6.1%
SUM 426 100%

Data collection

Data for this study were collected from various reliable sources to assess flood-vulnerable areas in Central Afghanistan. This study focuses on the following thematic factors: slope, elevation, land use, land cover, rainfall, flow accumulation, population, and soil type. The slope, elevation, and flow accumulation data were obtained from USGS Explorer 2024, which provides a 30-meter resolution DEM. The soil types were classified based on FAO’s Rivulis debates. Rainfall data from 2000 to 2023 were collected in raster imagery format from the CHRS. Land use and land cover data were obtained from Landsat-8 via the USGS in a raster imagery format. Population density data were obtained from the DVA dataset. Flood management strategy data were collected through interviews. For the interviews, a judgment sampling method was applied. Forty participants (15 females and 25 males) aged 25–45 years from the central provinces of Afghanistan were recruited. Open-ended interview questions focused on flood management practices and pre- and post-flood management strategies. The interview expert participants from various sectors, including individuals from academia, communities, NGOs, sectoral organizations, Afghanistan National Disasters Management Authority (ANDMA), the Ministry of Energy, and the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA).

Data Analysis

This study employed GIS for spatial data analysis and Microsoft Excel to analyze the interview data to assess flood-vulnerable areas in the central region of Afghanistan. Six hematic factors were considered, namely slope, elevation, land use, land cover, rainfall, flow accumulation, population, and soil type. To analyze the slope, the DEM (30m resolution) was processed using the GIS Spatial Analysis Tool, resulting in a slope map. The slope map was then reclassified into five subgroups using standard quintile classification, establishing a continuous scale of flood hazard ratings. Soil data were examined for water infiltration capacity and classified into five flood hazard levels: extremely high, high, moderate, low, and very low. Rainfall data from 2000 to 2023 were analyzed using the Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) method to generate a long-term annual rainfall map. Flood hazards were classified into five categories: very high, high, moderate, low, and very low. Land use and land cover data from Landsat-8 were classified according to standard guidelines and reclassified into five flood hazard levels. Flow accumulation was analyzed using a spatial analyst hydrological model in the GIS. This involved converting the DEM to a fill raster, then to the flow direction, and finally analyzing it using the D-8 Algorithm. The data were classified into five hazard levels based on mainstream and sub-streams. Population density data were converted to raster format and classified into five levels based on density.

Flood hazard Assessment

The flood hazard levels in the central region of Afghanistan were assessed based on various factors such as slope, elevation, soil, flow accumulation, rainfall, land use, and land cover (Figs. 2 and 3). Figures (2) Maps show that Panjsher, Parwan, and Kapisa provinces have high levels of flood hazard according to their slope, elevation, soil, and flow accumulation. Generally, the central parts of these provinces consist of high mountains, slopes, and elevations ranging from 1000 to 4000 m (Atefi, 2022), and are located in the Panjsher and Ghorband River basins, which experience moderate to high levels of precipitation, low to moderate levels of land cover, and moderate levels of population density. Therefore, considering these parameters, these provinces are highly vulnerable to flooding. This finding is supported by evidence from the flash flood in Parwan Province on August 26, 2020, which affected over 17,000 people and destroyed nearly 2,000 homes (Atefi, 2022).

In contrast, Kabul Province has high slopes, elevations, and flow directions, and is situated in the Kabul River Basin. Owing to its high slopes, elevations, water flow (especially in spring), high population density, low to moderate land cover, and moderate rainfall density from 2000 to 2023, Kabul Province faces a moderate to high level of flood hazard risk. A recent study conducted in Kabul City identified districts 1, 2, 3, 7, 13, 14, 17, 19, and 22 as being at moderate to high risk of flooding (Mushwani et al., 2024). Most parts of the Logar and Wardak provinces are exposed to flood hazards, ranging from high to extremely high levels. A study conducted after the flood in Logar province on August 20, 2022, found that 11.88 km2 of the study area was inundated. Based on flood hazard mapping, Logar Province faces a moderate to high level of flood hazard (Ahmadi et al., 2024).

Flood Hazard Final Map

The flood hazard vulnerability hazard area map for the central region of Afghanistan. Based on the six thematic indicator-based maps developed after the classification methods, flood hazard vulnerable areas were assessed using GIS and remote sensing. Based on this technique, each factor was multiplied by its percentage weight (numeric overlay), and the summation of all factors produced the final map of hazardous areas S =∑wixi (Gemitzi et al., 2006). where S is the final map of the hazardous areas, wi is the weight of factor i (percentage), and xi is the rate of factor i. The results indicate that the provinces of Panjsher, Parwan, and Wardak are heavily impacted by flood hazards. Additionally, certain areas in Kapisa and Kabul are susceptible to low levels of flood hazards, while a significant portion of Logar, particularly the eastern part including Khoshi District, is highly affected by flood hazards. Moreover, the findings reveal that within the central region of Afghanistan, out of a total land area of 28,846 km², 3,750 km² is categorized as very high and affected by flood hazards, 4,327 km² is considered highly vulnerable to floods, 5,481 km² is moderately vulnerable, 6,923 km² has a low vulnerability, and 8,365 km² has a very low vulnerability to flood hazards Fig. 6.

Flood Management

The study conducted interviews with experts to gather information on innovative methods, strategies, and practices for flood management. The data collected from the interviews was then analyzed and categorized into two groups: pre-flood management measures, which are mainly implemented before a flood occurs, and post-flood management measures, which are implemented after a flood event. (Kourgialas & Karatzas, 2011; Munawar et al., 2021)

Pre-Flood Management strategies

The interview findings suggest that governance in pre-flood disaster management needs improvement to reduce flood hazards. This includes implementing flood management policies, which aligns with previous studies that have shown the effectiveness of comprehensive plans, and policies, and integrating disaster risk reduction (DRR) into development plans and infrastructure projects in reducing flood risk (Der Sarkissian et al., 2022; Seidler et al., 2018). Respondents emphasized the importance of land use management and building code implementation to address flood hazards. However, in Afghanistan, there are no specific regulations for land management, resulting in floods affecting most regions. In contrast, other countries have successfully reduced vulnerability to floods through proper land use planning and enforcement of building codes, ensuring safe construction practices and avoiding development in high-risk areas (Sandink & Binns, 2021).

Additionally, the interview participants emphasized flood protection measures such as urban planning, canalization, drainage systems, water management dams, flood monitoring systems, early warning systems, search and rescue operations, evacuation routes, and the provision of first aid. However, due to the prolonged conflict and current instability in Afghanistan since 2000, there is a lack of flood-managed infrastructure and technologies. In contrast, studies have shown that flood protection measures and flood monitoring systems have significantly reduced the impact of floods in Pakistan (Der Sarkissian et al., 2022; Gunnell et al., 2019). Respondents also highlighted the importance of stakeholder engagement, including public awareness of DRR, community involvement in DRR, coordination among communities, governments, and NGOs, and community participation in decision-making processes. However, in the current government, half of the Afghan communities (females) are not allowed to engage in flood management efforts. This finding is consistent with various studies that emphasize the crucial role of stakeholder engagement in disaster management (Alam & Ray-Bennett, 2021; Fekete et al., 2020; Haque et al., 2019; Mendis et al., 2024). Please refer to Fig. 7 for a summary of pre-management measures for the Central Region of Afghanistan.

Post-Flood Management strategies

From the perspective of the interview respondents, 90% of them emphasize the damage assessment and rehabilitation of critical infrastructures such as roads, electricity, and other infrastructure. Conduct detailed assessments of the physical and economic damages caused by the flood to effectively implement rehabilitation. Several studies conducted in other regions have confirmed that damage assessment is crucial for comprehensive rehabilitation (Haq et al., 2012; Rohr et al., 2013; Wang et al., 2021).

80% of respondents agreed that there is a need for a post-disaster response to provide immediate relief and support to affected individuals. However, in past disastrous events, such as flood hazards in Chari-Kar, Parwan province, the affected people did not receive immediate relief support after flooding in 2020, resulting in the loss of over 100 lives. The study found that this high number of casualties was due to a lack of response. Other studies also found that the Afghan government almost failed to provide an immediate response after the flooding (Ahmad et al., 2024; Atefi, 2022; Mushwani et al., 2024). The majority of the interview experts agreed to consider long-term and short-term recovery in order to reconstruct infrastructure, recover economic activities, and rehabilitate ecosystems. This includes supporting the economic well-being and livelihoods of communities through targeted interventions. The responsible department for Disaster Management is required to consider both long and short-term recovery in order to return to normal (Finucane et al., 2020; Hettige et al., 2018).

Nearly 90% of the respondents agreed to prioritize public health and sanitation after the flooding. This involves ensuring access to clean water and sanitation facilities for affected populations to prevent disease outbreaks. It also includes providing psychological support and treatment to individuals traumatized by the flood event. However, according to the current Afghan government policy framework, there are no specific public health policies for disaster victims. The lack of sanitation during and after flooding increases the number of casualties (Yari et al., 2019). Additionally, another study found that unsafe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are responsible for the deaths of around 400,000 children under the age of 5 each year, or 1,000 every day (Vaccaro, 2016). According to the UNICEF 2017 report, diarrhea-related deaths, which currently total 9,500, account for approximately 12% of the 80,000 deaths of children under the age of five that occur annually in Afghanistan. Therefore, the responsible organizations for disaster management in the Afghan government are required to provide sanitation and hygiene for affected communities. The post-flood mitigation strategies are summarized in Fig. 8.

This study evaluates flood-prone areas in the central region of Afghanistan, identifies vulnerabilities, and proposes effective flood management strategies to reduce the risk and impacts of flooding. The key findings show that Panjsher, Parwan, and Wardak provinces are highly affected by flood hazards, while parts of Kapisa and Kabul are also vulnerable. Specifically, the eastern part of Logar province, particularly Khushi and Pule Alam District, is remarkably susceptible. The study classifies flood-prone areas into five categories: very high vulnerability (3,750 km²), high vulnerability (4,327 km²), moderate vulnerability (5,481 km²), low vulnerability (6,923 km²), and very low vulnerability (8,365 km²). These findings are different with existing research emphasizing the severe impact of floods in low-lying and river basin areas. The flood hazard maps of Kabul City support our findings, indicating that districts 1, 2, 3, 7, 13, 14, 17, 19, and 22 are at moderate to high risk of flooding, particularly along the Kabul River basin. This supports Mushwani et al. (2024), who found urban areas in low-lying regions to be more vulnerable.

The interviews revealed flood risk mitigation and management strategies. Pre-flood strategies include developing local flood management plans, enforcing building codes, implementing canalization and drainage systems, constructing water management dams, establishing flood monitoring systems, and engaging stakeholders. Post-flood measures involve providing shelter and emergency medical care, evacuating to safe locations, undertaking short-term and long-term infrastructure reconstruction, restoring economic activity, and addressing public health and sanitation. Research from other regions also highlights the importance of flood pre and post-management strategies in reducing the risk of flooding. For example, studies in Bangladesh, Iran, and Pakistan demonstrated the effectiveness of GIS in identifying high-risk areas and informing flood management strategies. Similarly, studies in Saudi Arabia and India used GIS to categorize flood-prone areas, enabling better risk assessment and mitigation planning.

Despite advancements in geographic technologies and methodologies, there is a significant gap in flood hazard vulnerability assessments utilizing GIS in Afghanistan, particularly in the central region. This study aims to fill this gap by providing essential information for policymakers to develop effective flood management policies. The scarcity of female experts available for interviews points to a broader issue of gender disparity in disaster management and research fields. Future studies should aim to include more diverse perspectives to enhance the understanding and management of flood risks. This study provides a crucial assessment of flood-prone areas in central Afghanistan and proposes both pre-flood and post-flood management strategies. By comparing our findings with existing literature, we underscore the importance of GIS and remote sensing in flood risk assessment and management. However, there is a clear need for more inclusive research efforts and the development of comprehensive flood management policies to mitigate the impact of floods in Afghanistan. This research serves as a foundation for policymakers, disaster management organizations, and researchers to developed the flood management policies in referenced to the finding of this research.

This study on flood management strategies and geospatial analysis for assessing flood hazard areas in Afghanistan, specifically focusing on the Central Region, has provided valuable insights into flood vulnerability and resilience in the region. By integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, remote sensing data, and expert interviews, the study has enhanced our understanding of flood hazards and the effectiveness of flood management strategies. Factors such as slope, elevation, land use, soil type, rainfall, and population density were analyzed to define flood hazard zones and inform interventions for mitigating flood risks. Expert insights through interviews have further enriched the study.

The findings of this study have implications for disaster management organizations, policymakers, and researchers involved in flood risk assessment and mitigation. By proposing and evaluating flood hazard mitigation measures specific to the Central Region of Afghanistan, this study offers a roadmap for developing evidence-based policies and interventions to enhance flood resilience. The collaborative approach of combining geospatial analysis with expert knowledge highlights the importance of multidisciplinary efforts in addressing complex challenges like flood management. Moving forward, it is essential to build upon the findings of this study and further refine flood management strategies based on ongoing research, technological advancements, and stakeholder engagement. By prioritizing proactive measures, community engagement, and sustainable land use practices, Afghanistan can strengthen its resilience to floods and minimize the socio-economic impacts of future flooding events. The insights gained from this study can guide informed decision-making processes and contribute to the development of effective flood management policies tailored to the unique challenges faced by the Central Region of Afghanistan.

Conflict of interest:

There is no conflict of interest.

Authors contributions:

Hayatullah Mushwani & Abidullah Arabzai: Writing–original draft, Methodology, Investigation, Conceptualization. Amerullah Afghan & Lutfullah Safi: Visualization, Software, Resources, Data curation: Hayat Ullah & Afshana Parven Supervision, review, and editing.

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Evaluation of Flood Hazard Vulnerabilities and Innovative Management Strategies in Afghanistan's Central Region

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Methods

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Flood hazard Assessment

Flood Hazard Final Map

Flood Management

Pre-Flood Management strategies

Post-Flood Management strategies

Discussion

Conclusion

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