GIS-Based Identification and Analysis of Optimal Evacuation Areas and Routes in Flood-Prone Zones of Swabi District, Pakistan

Abstract

This study explores the main elements causing flooding in Pakistan’s Swabi area and finds that elevation, slope, precipitation, and vicinity of rivers all play a major role in flooding occurrences. Low-lying areas, steeper slopes, intense monsoon rainfall, and proximity to rivers increase vulnerability to floods. Additional factors such as curvature, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), topographic wetness index (TWI), land use and land cover (LULC), and soil type exhibit comparatively less impact on flooding. The evaluation of flood risk incorporates nine factors through the AHP procedure, assigning weights that emphasize the importance of rainfall, slope, elevation, and distance to rivers using GIS software. The resulting flood hazard map categorizes the region into high-, moderate-, low-, and very low-risk zones, with approximately 49.42% identified as high flood risk areas. Evacuation planning designates secure zones, moderate-risk areas, and high-risk zones, emphasizing the need for flexible and adaptable routes in response to evolving flood scenarios. The study’s comprehensive approach, integrating GIS and AHP, provides valuable insights for effective flood management in the Swabi district, despite limitations related to data quality. The findings contribute to resolving flooding issues and offer a foundation for coordinated actions by authorities and communities in flood-prone areas.