A disaster is a sudden and extreme event or occurrence that causes widespread destruction, loss of life, and disruption of normal functioning in a community or society. Disasters can be natural, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, or wildfires, or they can be man-made, such as terrorist attacks, industrial accidents, or nuclear incidents. Disasters often result in significant damage to infrastructure, homes, and the environment, as well as the displacement of people and the need for emergency response and recovery efforts.