A comprehensive AHP numerical module for assessing resilience of Kabul City to flood hazards

Abstract

The present study aimed to assess the resilience of Kabul City, Afghanistan, towards flood hazards, using the AHP numerical module. The study utilized a mixed-methods approach, including secondary data, a questionnaire survey, AHP analysis and GIS. The findings revealed limited community awareness (55.7% of the respondents were aware of the hazard while only 31.3% were well-informed) and participation in flood preparedness in the city. While the city demonstrated high levels of social (global weight score of 0.28) and physical (global weight score of 0.21) resilience, it exhibited lower levels of institutional (global weight score of 0.16), human (global weight score of 0.13), economic (global weight score of 0.12), and technical (global weight score of 0.10) resilience. The study underscores the importance of local institutions, urban planning, community participation, and early warning systems in enhancing resilience. However, there are several key limitations, such as data availability, a shortage of skilled personnel, policy constraints, and the absence of a city-level flood management policy. Consequently, the study recommends the development of city-level flood hazard management and resilience policies to mitigate the impacts in Kabul City.