Abstract:
Floods present significant challenges to communities worldwide, necessitating effective disaster management and mitigation strategies. However, comprehensive studies utilizing advanced geospatial technologies to assess the dynamics of risk perception in flood-prone regions are lacking in Pakistan. This research addresses this gap by investigating the evolution of risk perception in Rajanpur, a flood-vulnerable region in Pakistan. Flood-affected areas were mapped using Google Earth Engine (GEE), and a post-flood survey were conducted to gather data on risk perception. The research aims to understand the factors influencing risk perception and inform policymakers and stakeholders in developing targeted measures to enhance resilience and reduce vulnerability. Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) was used data to identify flood inundation, Sentinel-2 MSI for assessing crop loss in flooded areas, conducting demographic analysis for population in the affected region, and administering a detailed questionnaire survey. With approximately 1200 square kilometers of area affected by the floods, the results highlighted the impact of flooding on different sectors, with farmers and small businesses being the most affected. Surprisingly, over 60% of the population lacked emergency plans. Furthermore, a strong relationship was observed between displacement trends and the presence of children under 18 in households, indicating that households with children were more likely to be displaced. The study also revealed a high level of dissatisfaction (over 90%) with the response and recovery efforts, emphasizing the need for improved preparedness and response mechanisms. Additionally, the survey demonstrated that over 95% of the population expressed extreme concern about future floods. The findings of this study contribute to a comprehensive understanding of flood impacts, risk perception dynamics, and important implications for disaster management and planning in Pakistan. The research underscores the urgent need for enhanced preparedness, response, and recovery measures to mitigate the devastating impacts of future floods
