Geo-spatial assessment of community vulnerability to flood along the Ravi River, Ravi Town, Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Pakistan is exposed to hydro-meteorological and geological hazards. Flood is one of the hydro-meteorological hazards, and so far 25 major floods have occurred in Indus River System with devastating consequences. The Ravi River is one of the eastern tributaries of the River Indus. This study is an attempt of geo-spatial assessment of community vulnerability towards flood along the Ravi River. This study is based on primary and secondary data. Primary data were gathered through questionnaire survey using random sampling techniques, interview and personal observation. Simultaneously, Global Position Survey (GPS) is also conducted to acquire the respondent’s location. Secondary data were collected from concerned government departments. Statistical analyses were performed in SPSS 16.00 and MS Excel 2010 for getting results. Inverse distance weighted (IDW) technique of spatial interpolation is implemented to geo-visualize spatial variation in flood depth and elevation. Weighted overlay analysis technique is applied to develop vulnerability map using ArcGIS 10.5. The analysis revealed that the study area is exposed to flood. Demographic characteristics, socio-economic status and neighbourhood properties have made the communities along Ravi vulnerable to floods. Similarly, risk perception and hydrological behaviour of Ravi have further increased vulnerability. Spatially, the sample sites Kot Begum, Jia Musa and Shahdara are highly vulnerable. Results of the study can assist the flood dealing authorities and decision-makers to design location-specific flood risk reduction strategies.