Spatial assessment of drought vulnerability using fuzzy-analytical hierarchical process: a case study at the Indian state of Odisha

Droughts can be regarded as one of the most spatially complex geohazards, causing a severe impact on socio-economic aspects. Preparing comprehensive drought management plan is necessary to mitigate risks, and first step towards achieving it preparation vulnerability map. The present study integrates geospatial methods with Fuzzy-Analytical Hierarchy Process (Fuzzy-AHP) technique, prepare map for Odisha, India. Total 24 parameters under 2 separate categories, namely physical socio-economic, was listed. Spatial layers were prepared each parameter, fuzzy membership approach used fuzzify layer, AHP measure weights parameter using pair-wise comparison matrices. Finally, maps five classes (very-high, high, moderate, low, very-low) developed weighted overlay method. results show that 33.94% region falls high-drought category. Further, validated statistical metrics, like area Receiver Operating Characteristics curves, Accuracy, Root-Mean-Square-Error Mean-Absolute-Error. imply applied method effective determining in region, which would help planners formulating mitigation strategies.