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.
(..) Dear Dr. Brown: On the night that I go back in time... ... you will be... ... shot by terrorists. Please take whatever precautions are necessary to prevent this terrible disaster. Your friend... ... Marty. 'Evening, Dr. Brown. What's with the wire? Just a little weather experiment. (..)1985 Back to the Future