Assessing and Mapping Spatial Variation Characteristics of Natural Hazards in Pakistan

Abstract

One nation with the highest risk of climate catastrophes is Pakistan. Pakistan’s geographical nature makes it susceptible to natural hazards. Pakistan is facing regional differences in terms of climate change. The frequency and intensity of natural hazards due to climate change vary from place to place. There is an urgent need to recognize the spatial variations in natural hazards inside the country. To address such problems, it might be useful to map out the areas that need resources to increase resilience and accomplish adaptability. Therefore, the main goal of this research was to create a district-level map that illustrates the multi-hazard zones of various regions in Pakistan. In order to comprehend the geographical differences in climate change and natural hazards across Pakistan, this study examines the relevant literature and data currently available regarding the occurrence of natural hazards in the past. Firstly, a district-level comprehensive database of Pakistan’s five natural hazards (floods, droughts, earthquakes, heatwaves, and landslides) was created. Through consultation with specialists in related areas, hazard and weighting factors for a specific hazard were specified based on the structured district-level historical disaster database of Pakistan. After that, individual and multi-hazard ratings were computed for each district. Then, using estimated multi-hazard scores, the districts of Pakistan were classified into four zones. Finally, a map of Pakistan’s multi-hazard zones was created per district. The study results are essential and significant for policymakers to consider when making decisions on disaster management techniques, that is, when organizing disaster preparedness, mitigation, and prevention plans.

Flood Risk Assessment Based on Hydrodynamic Model—A Case of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor

“…Atif et al used MODIS data to map the distribution of floods in Pakistan since 2000 and concluded that the central plains and Southeastern Sindh had suffered the most severe floods over the last 21 years [43]. In addition to this, Hussain et al (2023) created a comprehensive database of natural hazards in Pakistan at the district level and a multi-hazard zoning map, indicating that the majority of flood-prone areas are located in Sindh and South Punjab Provinces [44]. Sajjad et al (2020) stated that the Chenab Plain is one of the high flood-prone areas with using remote sensing to estimate the extent and duration of flood inundation in Pakistan [45].…”

Spatial Mapping Based on the Settlement Carrying Capacity Value in Gunungpati District, Semarang City

“…Landslide susceptibility varies from area to area based on factors such as surface geology, moisture availability, proximity to seismically active zones, and slope angle (Hussain et al, 2023). Quantitative techniques dominated in landslide vulnerability modeling.…”