natural disaster
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natural disaster
An event with devastating effects that is triggered by natural processes of the Earth, such as an earthquake, a tsunami, or a hurricane.
Das Erdbeben in der Region war eine schreckliche Naturkatastrophe.
The earthquake in the region was a terrible natural disaster.
The word is a clear compound of 'die Natur' (nature) and 'die Katastrophe' (disaster). It therefore describes a disaster whose cause lies in nature and is not man-made.
Die Regierung hat einen Notfallplan für Naturkatastrophen entwickelt.
The government has developed an emergency plan for natural disasters.
Concrete examples help in understanding the term. Typical natural disasters are earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, droughts, or hurricanes.
Die Überschwemmung war die schlimmste Naturkatastrophe in der Geschichte der Region.
The flood was the worst natural disaster in the history of the region.
Common phrases include saying that a natural disaster 'sich ereignet' (occurs), 'eine Region trifft' (hits a region), or 'Schäden verursacht' (causes damage). People can 'Opfer einer Naturkatastrophe werden' (become victims of a natural disaster).
Letztes Jahr hat eine schwere Naturkatastrophe die Küste getroffen.
Last year, a severe natural disaster hit the coast.
catastrophe
'die Katastrophe' and 'die Naturkatastrophe' both refer to a serious disaster with terrible consequences. 'die Katastrophe' is the general term and can have many causes, for example an accident, a fire, a technical problem, or a natural event. 'die Naturkatastrophe' is more specific: it is caused by natural processes, such as an earthquake, a storm, or a flood. The words can be confused because every natural disaster is a catastrophe. But not every catastrophe is a natural disaster.
Wegen der Naturkatastrophe mussten viele Familien ihre Häuser verlassen.
Because of the natural disaster, many families had to leave their homes.
Der Zugunfall war eine Katastrophe mit vielen Verletzten.
The train accident was a catastrophe with many injured people.