Cause and Damages Assessment of 2022-Flood in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Shakeel Mahmood; Fakhar Abbas; Saddam Hussain

Authors

Shakeel Mahmood Department of Geography, Government College University Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Fakhar Abbas Department of Geography, Government College University Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Saddam Hussain Department of Geography, Government College University Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

Keywords:

Floods, Causes, Damages, GIS, KP, Pakistan.

Abstract

Floods are among the most devastating hazards, occurring globally and impacting many regions annually. Pakistan is frequently affected by floods, including the significant floods of 2022 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). This study assesses the causes and damages of the 2022 floods in KP using data from NASA Worldview and USGS, complemented by Geographical Information System (GIS) analysis. The study considers the role of climate change and the topography of KP in making it prone to floods. It examines weather patterns, environmental factors, and local vulnerabilities that contributed to the floods, as well as the extent of damage to communities, infrastructure, and the environment. Flood and precipitation data were collected from two satellites and analyzed using ArcGIS. The study identified massive rainfall and increased temperatures as the primary causes of the flood. Significant damage was recorded in District Dera Ismail Khan, followed by Tank and Swat. The floods resulted in approximately 300 fatalities across various districts of KP and caused total economic losses estimated at 201,414 million Pakistani rupees. Public sector losses were estimated at 121,283 million PKR, with house damages amounting to 23,780 million PKR. The peak flooding occurred in August during high rainfall. Understanding the root causes and damages of the 2022 KP flood is crucial for developing effective prevention and mitigation plans, as well as for assessing the impact on communities, infrastructure, and the environment. This study provides critical insights and comprehensive data to inform disaster management and policy-making for future resilience. Its novelty lies in its exclusive focus on the 2022 KP floods, a topic not previously studied in detail. In conclusion, the research effectively analyzes the causes and assesses the damages of the 2022 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa flood, offering essential insights for improving flood management strategies.

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