Disaster is defined as which of the following?

Disaster is defined as which of the following?

• A. A prolonged period of peace
• B. A minor incident
• C. A routine event
• D. Sudden great misfortune

Answer: (D)

Disasters are events that occur suddenly and cause substantial harm or disruption to a community, exceeding its ability to cope with normal resources and requiring external assistance. The description of a sudden great misfortune captures both the abrupt onset and the large-scale impact that define disasters, making it the best choice. The other options describe scenarios that don’t involve sudden, widespread harm or overwhelm local capabilities—prolonged peace, a minor incident, and a routine event are all at odds with what a disaster is.

Disasters are events that occur suddenly and cause substantial harm or disruption to a community, exceeding its ability to cope with normal resources and requiring external assistance. The description of a sudden great misfortune captures both the abrupt onset and the large-scale impact that define disasters, making it the best choice. The other options describe scenarios that don’t involve sudden, widespread harm or overwhelm local capabilities—prolonged peace, a minor incident, and a routine event are all at odds with what a disaster is.