What does a 'catastrophe' refer to?

A 'catastrophe' is defined as a severe disaster that can result from either natural events or human activities, significantly impacting the environment, economy, and human wellbeing. This term encompasses events such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, large-scale accidents, or acts of terrorism that cause widespread damage or suffering.

Recognizing the scope of a catastrophe is crucial for various sectors, including insurance, emergency response, and urban planning, as it informs the scale of preparedness and response required. While minor inconveniences or common events may disrupt daily life, they do not carry the same weight of severity or consequence associated with a catastrophe. Furthermore, the impact of a catastrophe is usually widespread, rather than localized, further emphasizing its significance in discussions related to risk management and disaster recovery.