Evaluation of flood hazard vulnerabilities and innovative management strategies in Afghanistan’s central region

This study assessed vulnerable areas of flood hazard and highlighted flood management strategies in central Afghanistan to enhance flood resilience. The study utilized geospatial techniques, an analytic hierarchy process (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. The findings indicate that the provinces of Panjsher, Parwan, and Wardak are highly vulnerable to flood hazards, whereas the majority of Kapisa, Logar, and Kabul provinces are at low risk of flooding. Based on Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis, the 28,846 km2 area of the central region is categorized by vulnerability as follows: very high (3,750 km²), high (4,327 km²), moderate (5,481 km²), low (6,923 km²), and very low (8,365 km²) From a total land 28,846 Km2. The interview findings highlighted innovative flood management strategies for the central region of Afghanistan, such as pre-flood management strategies (flood management local plans, building codes, drainage systems, dams’ constrictions, flooding monitoring, and stakeholder engagement) and post-flood management strategies (temporary shelter, medical care, 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.