Floods, while contributing to soil fertility and agricultural productivity in low-lying deltaic areas and floodplain regions, remain one of the most destructive natural hazards, posing significant risks to human life, property, the economy, and the environment. The annual occurrence of floods in the lower Dwarkeswar River Basin highlights the critical need for flood risk assessment to support effective risk reduction policies. This research employs the analytical hierarchy process within a geographic information system environment to evaluate flood risk, with a focus on Ghatal CD Block in West Medinipur, West Bengal. By integrating flood hazard elements and vulnerability indicators, a comprehensive risk map is developed, delineating high-risk zones such as Ghatal, Erpala, and Mansuka, as well as low-risk areas like Birsingha, Sultanpur, and Dewanchak. In the present study, the flood hazard map was validated using AUC curve, achieving an accuracy of 75%, incorporating data from primary surveyed flood locations (n = 42) within the study area. These ground truth points played a crucial role in assessing the hazard map’s precision. The study extends beyond mere hazard identification, recognizing the importance of vulnerability assessment in understanding the holistic risk landscape. The findings indicate that 36% of the study area falls within high to very high-risk zones emphasizing the necessity of targeted interventions and mitigation strategies. Ultimately, this research contributes to advancing flood risk assessment methodologies and reinforces the importance of informed decision-making in mitigating the multifaceted challenges posed by floods, thereby enhancing disaster resilience and preparedness.