Glossary
Disaster threats in the European Union. Natural hazards

Hazard

A potential danger, such as an earthquake, flood, storm, or volcanic eruption. Hazards are often studied in relation to vulnerability (the susceptibility of a territory or population) and risk (the probability that the hazard will cause damage).

Disaster

A sudden or gradual event that causes significant damage to people, property, and the environment, exceeding the capacity of populations or communities to cope on their own. In other words, it is the realization of a risk or hazard when it leads to serious consequences. For example: a deadly earthquake, a tsunami, a major flood, a destructive volcanic eruption...

Extreme event

A natural or climatic phenomenon that is exceptional in terms of its intensity or rarity, exceeding normal values and potentially leading to serious consequences for people, infrastructure, or the environment.

Examples: very...