Case studies

This collection of case studies from across the globe showcases practical, real-world examples of disaster risk management and disaster risk reduction in action.

The need to understand, adapt to, and mitigate disaster risks is greater than ever. These case studies are in-depth studies of a particular case in a real-world context. Each case study highlights unique challenges, innovative solutions, and impactful outcomes, providing insight into the strategies that communities, organizations, and governments have implemented to protect lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems.

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Case study
Latvia
Combining GIS, hydraulic modelling and public safety: an early warning system for flood risk management in Zemgale Region (Latvia)
The early warning system operating in Jelgava city has been extended to cover the entire Zemgale region, highly exposed and vulnerable to river and flash floods.
  • Climate-ADAPT
Case study
Tanzania, United Rep of
Strengthening coordination through the Emergency Operations and Communication Centre in the United Republic of Tanzania
After severe El Niño floods in 2023-2024 exposed coordination and data-sharing gaps, Tanzania launched its EOCC in 2024 with UNDRR support. By 2026 it had issued 200+ advisories, strengthened multi-hazard early warning, and improved preparedness.
  • United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction - Regional Office for Africa
Case study
Ecuador
Adapting MHEWS in response to a tsunami threat in Ecuador
After the 2016 earthquake, Ecuador strengthened its early warning system with clear protocols, multichannel alerts and regular drills. During the 2025 tsunami threat, it enabled timely warnings, evacuation of 2,300+ people, and coordinated action.
  • United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction – Regional Office for the Americas and the Caribbean
Case study
Trinidad and Tobago
Insights from implementing a community flood early warning system in Trinidad and Tobago
After the 2018 floods exposed warning gaps, Trinidad and Tobago launched a Community Flood EWS linking river monitoring, alerts and local responders. The system has strengthened preparedness and anticipatory action in flood-prone communities.
  • United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction – Regional Office for the Americas and the Caribbean
Case study
Yemen
Advancing early warning and resilience in a protracted crisis in Yemen
Despite conflict and limited resources, Yemen is advancing MHEWS through national planning, stronger risk data, weather and health monitoring, and community flood EWS, improving preparedness and resilience in a highly fragile context.
  • United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction - Regional Office for Arab States
Case study
Kyrgyzstan
Anticipating high-mountain lake outbursts through an integrated national warning system in Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan has built a comprehensive multi-hazard early warning system, improving monitoring, forecasting and alerts. These investments enabled effective early action during glacial lake flood threats, helping protect communities and infrastructure.
  • United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction - Regional Office for Europe & Central Asia
Case study
Tuvalu
From water data to anticipatory action for drought in Tuvalu
Tuvalu has strengthened drought preparedness through a Water Resource Tool that forecasts water availability and supports early action. It is also improving multi-hazard early warning systems and developing a national anticipatory action framework.
  • United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction - Sub-Regional Office for the Pacific
Case study
Leveraging AI to enhance MHEWS
AI can play a transformative role in strengthening MHEWS in an era where climate change, environmental degradation and growing socioeconomic risks are increasing the frequency and severity of disasters worldwide.
  • United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)
  • World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
  • International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
  • International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
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