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.
(..) See? It's got a little alligator on top. How sweet. I can see where your daughter gets her taste. Ohh. This is one of those disasters waiting to happen. You know, one of the big ones that only cockroaches survive. It's going to be fine. One down... (..)2002 Sweet Home Alabama