Multi-hazard based land use planning in isolated area; learning from the experience of Pul-e-Khumri City, Afghanistan

Abstract

Afghanistan is a hazard-prone country where conflicts and security concerns have restricted researchers' access to resilience-related data and information. The objective of this study is to establish a practical framework for Risk-Sensitive Land Use Planning (RSLUP), referred to as the Multi-Hazard based Land Use Plan (MHLUP), in the city of Pul-e-Khumeri where data and information are difficult to access due to security concerns. We implemented a four-step methodology that commenced with the with updating and converting the existing city land use map into a zoning framework. Subsequently, the multi-hazard intensity map was created by employing the weighted sum function in ArcGIS Map 10.8, utilizing the pairwise comparison method. The evaluation of the exposure level was then conducted by overlaying the single hazards and multi-hazard intensity maps onto the existing zoning map. Finally, based on a distinct decision matrix the existing zoning map was modified and the final output was generated. The findings indicate that the utilization of this approach significantly enhances the resilience of Pul-e-Khumri city. The novelty of this approach lies in its consideration of multi-hazard intensity, in addition to single hazard intensity, and its inclusion of exposure analysis for both population and critical facilities. The proposed approach would also facilitate resilience research in the global south, particularly in isolated areas, by leveraging existing studies and open-source data.