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.
(..) I'm thinking this is taking a long time, and I'll never be able to pick up Harold's laundry. When Harold doesn't get his laundry, disaster! If we don't get this fixed, you may never see Harold again. Let's go. The woman who thinks must come to grips with fashionable attire. (..)1957 Funny Face