Opponents say the government's policy is 'a disaster waiting to happen'. [=something that will probably have a very bad or tragic result]
The government's policy is 'a recipe for disaster'. = The government is 'flirting with disaster' by pursuing this policy.
The earthquake was one of the worst 'natural disasters' [=a disaster caused by natural forces] of this century.
(..) Bugger! Not live rounds, Lara! He's in real pain right now. This is a major remodel, you know! This is a disaster! Was it programmed to stop before it took my head off? Ah, well... that would be a "no". - But you said, "Make it more challenging." - Hence, the live fire. (..)2001 Lara Croft: Tomb Raider