The terms “hazard” and “disaster” are related but distinct concepts, particularly in the context of natural and environmental events:

1. Hazard:
   • A hazard refers to a potential source of harm or danger. It is a situation, condition, or event that has the potential to cause damage, injury, or destruction.
   • Hazards can be natural (like earthquakes, floods, hurricanes) or human-made (like industrial accidents or chemical spills).
   • However, a hazard does not always result in harm unless it interacts with people, property, or the environment in a way that causes damage.
2. Disaster:
   • A disaster occurs when a hazard leads to significant damage, destruction, or loss of life or property.
   • It is the actual event or consequence when a hazard impacts a community, causing widespread negative effects that overwhelm the capacity of that community to cope with the situation.
   • For example, a hurricane (hazard) can become a disaster if it causes significant flooding, building collapses, and loss of life in a populated area.

In short, a hazard is a potential threat, while a disaster is the actual event or outcome when that threat materializes and causes significant harm.