A disaster is an event that causes such serious harm to people, buildings, economies, or the environment that the affected community cannot handle it [clarification needed] alone. [1][2] …

Learn about the formal disaster declaration process, disaster types, how FEMA gets involved, and other resources.

Below is a list of states where a disaster has been declared for Individual Assistance by FEMA. Select a state to see if your county is in a declared area and apply online for assistance.

Disaster has its roots in the belief that the positions of stars influence the fate of humans, often in destructive ways; its original meaning in English was "an unfavorable aspect of a planet or star."

Nov 24, 2025 · Disaster, any natural or human-generated calamitous event that produces great loss of human life or destruction of the natural environment, private property, or public …

A slow-onset disaster is defined as one that emerges gradually over time. Slow-onset disasters could be associated with, e.g., drought, desertification, sea-level rise, epidemic disease. A …

Disasters are serious disruptions to the functioning of a community that exceed its capacity to cope using its own resources. Disasters can be caused by natural, man-made and …

Dec 1, 2024 · What makes an event a disaster? A disaster represents more than just a destructive incident. The United Nations defines a disaster as a serious disruption of community …

A disaster is a sudden event or occurrence that causes damage to life or property. Generally speaking, there are two types of disasters: man-made and natural. Some disasters are worse …

Protect yourself during your cleanup after a disaster. Protect yourself from getting sick or hurt after a disaster. Learn healthy ways to cope after a natural disaster. Preparation, planning, and …