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.
(..) How long can the calls for a start be resisted by the manager? - Good goal, man. - You OK? Mr Harris, what's going on with you? You were a disaster. Are you ever going to score another goal? Yeah. At this moment in time, I am a very bad player. Hey, coach? (..)2007 Goal II: Living the Dream