Cross-boundary and cross-level dynamics increase vulnerability to severe winter disasters (dzud) in Mongolia

► With global change, severe winter storms (dzud) may increase in Mongolia ► We assessed vulnerability in 4 case study sites following the dzud of 2010 ► Vulnerability to dzud was affected by local, cross-boundary and cross-level factors ► Exposure was increased by in-migrating livestock from other districts ► Short-term relief aid may contribute to long-term dependence and social inequality.