Abstract
This study investigates the irnpact of the 2022 flood on Swat Valley's tottrism sector, A
critical component of the loca[ economy and cultural heritage. Swat Valley, a renowned
tourist clestination in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KI'), Pakistan. faced extensive damage as
lloocls ilundated key inliastmcture, including roacls, bridges, hotels, ancl heritage sites.
Errptoying Landsat satellite imagery anrl Geographic Information Systetr (GlS) analysis,
the stgdy rnapped flood extent using the Norrnalized Dilfbrence Water Index (NDWI)
ancl lancl cover classification, highlighting areas most afI'ected. 'fourist sites, sttch as those
in Kalam Valley and Bahrain Bazar', shorved high vulnerability due to their proximity to
the Su,at River and lack of flood-rcsistant infrastructure. Damage data trom relief repotts
were integrated to validate satellite findings, confirming significant losses across
cornmercial, residential. and tourism assets. This comprehensive diitrtlgc assessrnent
underscores tfte urgent neeci 1br adaptive infiastrr-rctut"e and disaster resilicrrce strategies
in flogd-prone regions. The lindings serve as a crttcial resottrce fbr policyrrlakers, guiding
effective disaster risk reduction (DRR) measures and sustainable tourisrn planning in
Srvat Valley. The study further advocates for the adoption of resilient clesign practices
ancl strategic planning to rnitigate ftrture flood risks, thus supporting Su'at Valley's
touri sm sustainabil ity and economic stabil ity..

MPhil Geopgraphy

English