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Written by MSc in Public Health student Elvira Parafita Losada, supported by DrPH candidate Tiffany Lok-Yan Yeung

In 2024, the World Weather Attribution announced that the world faced a total of 219 extreme weather events in their . As highlighted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in their, climate change has contributed to measurable increases in the frequency and intensity of these events in some regions, disproportionately affecting communities living in exposed areas and with high socioeconomic vulnerability.

Communities have led responses to many of these crises and there is a lot we can learn in how they have mobilised at the grassroots level to meet immediate needs and propose climate-resilient solutions based on their local knowledge.

This blog aims to outline how extreme weather events are linked to climate change and role of communities in the response through two case studies.

Why are some communities affected by extreme weather more than others?

The impact of extreme weather events is determined by three elements: hazard, exposure and vulnerability. Hazards refer to the intensity and recurrence of climate events, both of which are increasing due to global warming. Exposure and vulnerability relate to where people live, for example, in high-risk areas like floodplains or coastal zones, or places with weak infrastructure and limited access to services. These social and spatial factors mean that the same event can cause different levels of harm in different communities.

Reducing exposure and vulnerability is the main objective of adaptation and disaster risk-strategies. Global frameworks such as the , promote community-led disaster planning and response, with “build back better” plans. These strategies aim to strengthen local capacity, reduce further risks, and support quicker recovery.

Case study 1: floods in North East Nigeria

Severe flooding in the northeast of Nigeria in September 2024 resulted in more than  and one million people affected, losing their homes, crops and/or livestock. Communities living in riverine, crowded urban areas or displacement camps suffered the biggest health impacts. Besides damaged structures, physical injuries or loss of life, displacement, interrupted maintenance of sanitation services and contamination of water sources also led to increased food insecurity and major cholera outbreaks. The  linked the risk of intensifying heavy rainfall in northern Nigeria with rising global temperatures.

Previous experiences in flood management in Nigeria outlined  implementation, specifically in early warning mechanisms, coordination of relief activities, strengthening coping mechanisms in the community and rebuilding functionality towards mitigating risk. Community knowledge can play a vital role in addressing these challenges. s for natural disasters, incorporate indigenous communication techniques should be incorporated since the affected communities will know the best timing, channel or method to reach specific groups, like female farmers, for an efficient response.

Alice Eze, Director at Climate Action Africa, emphasised in the article  the power of community-led solutions in mitigating impact of climate change, such as indigenous knowledge,practices to increase soil fertility and managing natural resources. She also stated that these community actions are frequently overlooked in climate adaptation plans and pushed for a shift away from top-down policies to more community ownership.

Case study 2: floods in Valencia, Spain

On 29 October 2024, Valencia in Spain experienced extreme flooding due to the DANA (Isolated Depression at High Levels) storm. The disaster caused 224 fatalities, three people reported missing, and damage to infrastructure. The worst affected areas were located next to rivers and dams and had low-quality infrastructure with poor drainage systems.

In the initial response phase, more than  reached affected areas to support essential tasks like food provision, clearing roads or restoring essential services. Local communities were essential in organising civilian volunteers and identifying the most vulnerable populations and their needs.

Neighbours of affected municipalities organised themselves in  to coordinate the response and guide reconstruction plans, such as towards the sustainable rehabilitation of buildings, to ensure equity and transparency in governmental aid distribution, and to protect surrounding natural spaces. Conserving the natural spaces of Horta Sud and Nord increases water absorption and leads rainwater into the Mediterranean Sea, thus helping to prevent floods in urban areas.

Reports from the State Meteorological Agency in Spain and the  linked the increasing temperature of the Mediterranean Sea with a risk of intensification and recurrence of storms like DANA. The likelihood of more frequent and intense storms hitting the same areas and affecting the same communities underscores the importance of community-led solutions to support “build back better” efforts.

What can we learn?

As climate change continues, the risk of extreme weather events will continue increasing in frequency and intensity. The level of harm they cause depends not only on the severity but also the exposure of vulnerable communities.

Both case studies show that natural hazards tied to climate change are becoming harder to predict and are likely to repeat in the same contexts. This means there is an urgent need to improve housing, infrastructure and basic services, but also to recognise and value the role of communities themselves in leading response and recovery. Local knowledge is often the first and most effective tool available during emergencies. Communities know the needs of their members, how to communicate with different groups, and how to organise quickly. Their experience should not only inform disaster response but also shape adaptation plans going forward.