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
Lebanon
Lebanon floods, 2024 - Forensic analysis
After seven days of heavy rain in January 2024, two rivers in Northern Lebanon flooded simultaneously, covering a large area with mud and debris. Coastal roads were submerged, blocking food aid distribution and preventing some people from getting to work.
  • United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)
Case study
Jamaica
Jamaica floods, 2021- Forensic analysis
On January 8, 2021, heavy rains deluged Jamaica’s Montego Bay, flooding roads and damaging vehicles and buildings alike. A total of 40mm of rain fell in a short period, affecting an estimated 933 people, including several injuries in the town.
  • United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)
Case study
Portugal
Portugal heatwave, 2022 - Forensic analysis
During the spring and summer of 2022, Portugal experienced more than four distinct heatwaves, the most severe of which ran from July 2 to July 18. This exceptional event killed almost 2,400 people and triggered several devastating forest fires.
  • United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)
Case study
Indonesia
Indonesia wildfires, 2023 - Forensic analysis
In 2023, Indonesia experienced a significant surge in wildfires, with the total area burned reaching 1.16 million hectares (2.87 million acres), a fivefold increase from 2022. This dramatic rise in fires was largely attributed to the El Niño phenomenon
  • United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)
Case study
Canada
Canada wildfires, 2023 - Forensic analysis
The 2023 wildland fires across Canada were unprecedented. In Alberta, the fires became out of control in late spring, followed by large wildfires in Quebec, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, and British Columbia as the summer progressed.
  • United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)
Case study
Americas
Central America drought, 2023 - Forensic analysis
Droughts have been a persistent hazard in Central America for more than 12,000 years, impacting ecosystems, life zones, and resource use. While these dry spells vary in size, duration, and impact, they have been handled in very different ways.
  • United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)
Case study
Africa
Horn of Africa floods and drought, 2020-2023 - Forensic analysis
The eastern Horn of Africa is currently experiencing increasingly intense and recurrent cycles of flooding and drought. Across Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia, the 2020-2022 La Niña event was the most severe in 70 years.
  • United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)
Case study
Africa
Southern Africa cyclone, 2023 - Forensic analysis
Tropical Cyclone Freddy was an exceptionally powerful storm with a record-breaking lifespan and strength, as well as an unusual trajectory.
  • United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)
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