Analysis of Human Perceptions and Adaptations to Flash Floods in Khyber Agency, FATA

Abstract

The present study aims to analyse the human perceptions and adaptations to recurrent devastating flash floods in Khyber Agency, FATA. The study is mainly based on both primary data sources including field observations, structured questionnaire survey and focus group discussions supported by secondary data sources. Three hundred adult residents in five sample villages along Chora River and its tributaries were interviewed by using a structured questionnaire which covered approximately 20% of the total households. Respondents’ perceptions were investigated about the occurrence of flash floods, flood damages, nature of affinity towards flood prone areas and adaptation strategies. Cartographic and statistical techniques were applied to process and analyze the data. As a result, the data were analytically discussed and presented in the form of tables, maps and plates. The analysis reveals that people of the area perceived about the recurrence of future flash floods during rainy season. Most of the people perceived the flash floods as it hit the study area with devastating impacts and the extent of flood damages. In spite of flood risk, the level of affinity towards living in the flood prone area was found high among the community as they have blood ties with the land, kith and kinship. In the study area, people had adopted various flood mitigation strategies to reduce the devastating impacts of flash floods. However, the resident had greater motivations and concern on socio-economic factors rather than adjustments to frequent flash flood.