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

Abstract 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.