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.
(..) - lt's just that... any time l've tried to keep... anything normal with a person that was... normal, it's just been a disaster. Listen, l appreciate that. Absolutely. So what is that, a film you're doing ? Um, start in L.A. on Tuesday. (..)1999 Notting Hill
(..) - l forgot my other bag. - Oh, right. Right. Thanks. l'm very sorry about the ""surreal but nice"" comment. - Disaster. - That's okay. l thought the apricot and honey thing was the real low point. Oh, my God. My flatmate. (..)1999 Notting Hill