What do catastrophe mean?

A catastrophe refers to a sudden, widespread disaster that causes significant damage, loss, or disruption. It can be natural, such as earthquakes, floods, or hurricanes, or human-made, such as industrial accidents or terrorist attacks. Catastrophes often lead to severe consequences for individuals, communities, and ecosystems, requiring extensive recovery efforts. The term is also used in a broader sense to describe any event that results in a catastrophic outcome.