The Difference Between Hazards, Disasters, and Catastrophes

Hazards:

A hazard interprets as a risk or danger. It has the potential to harm living beings and land. 

a hazardous event that occurs over a limited time

a hazardous event that occurs over a limited time

Disasters:

A disaster is a sudden hazardous event that often results in deaths. There are four variables that must occur in order for an event to be classified as a disaster 

1. 10 or more people are killed. 
2. 100 or more people are affected. 
3. State of emergency is declared.
4. International assistance is requested

Catastrophes:

A catastrophe is a disaster that takes years to recover, resulting in the necessity for money spent on the area affected.