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
United States of America
When the water recedes, the work begins: A Somerset County case study
When severe weather swept across southern Somerset County on May 13, 2025, the County’s response became a case study in how local leadership, disciplined documentation, and persistence can influence statewide policy.
  • Domestic Preparedness
Case study
Australia
Strengthening resilience to extreme heat: an Adelaide case study
This place-based case study explores how heat manifests in an urban context through a systems lens, examining interconnected roles. A fictional family narrative runs alongside the analysis, bringing systemic risks to life.
  • Australian Red Cross
  • Institute for Social and Environmental Transition - International (ISET)
  • Monash University
  • International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
  • Zurich Insurance Group Limited
Case study
Europe
Community-centred approach to disaster management
Local knowledge and community participation have been integral to the development of new multi-hazard risk prediction and planning tools.
  • European Commission
Case study
Europe
Matching risk perception with disaster preparedness
Citizens and civil protection authorities have come together to co-create solutions for enhancing disaster resilience.
  • European Commission
Case study
Europe
Anticipating multi-hazards strengthens disaster resilience
Tools that turn complex, multi-hazard situations into practical, evidence-based choices can strengthen Europe’s disaster response capabilities.
  • European Commission
Case study
Zambia
Bringing climate information to life: How Munda Makeover is empowering Zambian farmers
Popular TV show demonstrates the power of connecting weather data with farming decisions across Zambia. Munda Makeover is Zambia's trusted farmer-focused edutainment program that combines engaging storytelling with practical agricultural advice.
  • Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)
Case study
Asia Nepal
Restoring the hydrological functions of mountain agricultural terraces to address multifaceted climate and water-induced disasters
Mountain regions play a vital role in the global hydrological cycle. Agricultural terraces—an indigenous technology developed about 7,000 years ago—enhance this role and reinforce the notion that “mountains are water towers of the plains”.
  • Adaptation at Altitude
Case study
Ghana
Nature-based solutions for reducing flood risk: A case study in South Tongu district, Ghana
Flooding poses a significant threat to socio-economic and ecological systems in Ghana. The project aims to assess the effectiveness and practicality of implementing Nature-Based Solutions for flood risk management in South Tongu district.
  • Nature-based Solutions Platform (Witteveen+Bos)
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Knowledge base
Explore the latest on disaster risk and resilience from around the world: news, research, policies and publications.