What is the definition of a catastrophe?

A catastrophe is defined as a significant event that causes extensive damage or disruption, often impacting a large number of people and infrastructure. This definition encompasses not just the physical destruction that occurs—but also the broader consequences that can affect communities, economies, and ecosystems.

In the context of risk management and insurance, a catastrophe typically refers to events like natural disasters (earthquakes, hurricanes, floods) or large-scale accidents that exceed normal operational or risk thresholds. These events often lead to substantial financial losses and create challenges for recovery, which is why they are categorized distinctly from less impactful incidents.

The other choices describe different situations that do not meet the criteria for a catastrophe. Unusual weather patterns may not necessarily lead to extensive damage; a small-scale disaster lacks the breadth of impact associated with a catastrophe; and routine maintenance issues are common occurrences that do not typically result in significant damage or disruption.