In the heart of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the Haripur District is grappling with an increasingly urgent challenge: floods. As global warming and human activities intensify, so does the risk of extreme flooding, posing a significant threat to infrastructure and agricultural lands. Enter Zulqarnain Jehan, a researcher from the Department of Civil Engineering, who has taken on this challenge with a pioneering approach.
Jehan and his team have developed a cutting-edge method to map flood risk zones using an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) model and geographic information system (GIS) analysis. Their work, published in the International Journal of Geophysics, translates to “International Journal of Earth Physics,” offers a comprehensive eight-factor multiparametric method. This includes factors like precipitation, distance to river, slope, elevation, land use/cover, topographic wetness index, soil type, and curvature. “By integrating these factors, we can create a more accurate and detailed flood risk map,” Jehan explains. “This isn’t just about identifying risky areas; it’s about understanding the nuances of flood behavior in a specific region.”
The study reveals that approximately 33% of Haripur District is prone to floods, with a staggering 23% of the crop area at risk. This has significant implications for the energy sector, which often relies on stable agricultural lands for bioenergy production. Flooding can disrupt supply chains, damage infrastructure, and lead to costly repairs and delays. “Flood hazard mapping is a valuable tool to prioritize risk areas for urban and agricultural development,” Jehan emphasizes. “It helps us make informed decisions about where and how to build, ensuring that our infrastructure is resilient and our communities are safe.”
The research doesn’t stop at mapping; it also establishes an urban flood risk index (UFRI) based on vulnerability mapping. This index can be a game-changer for urban planners and policymakers, allowing them to allocate resources more effectively and implement targeted flood control measures. “The outcomes of this study are anticipated to significantly contribute to pre-disaster flood control management in the studied area,” Jehan states. “It’s about being proactive, not reactive.”
This research is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling complex environmental challenges. By combining civil engineering, geospatial techniques, and data analysis, Jehan and his team have paved the way for more resilient infrastructure and sustainable development. As the world continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, such innovative solutions will be crucial in shaping future developments in the field.