national disaster

American  

[nash-uhn-uhl-di-zas-ter] / ˈnæʃ ən əl dɪˈzæs tər /

noun

plural

national disasters

1. a disaster, especially a natural disaster, such as a flood, hurricane, or earthquake, that affects a large portion of a nation or requires the resources and powers of a national government to address it.

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Example Sentences

President Prabowo Subianto has refused calls to declare a national disaster to release emergency funds, and declined international assistance, describing the situation as "under control".

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

Mozambique has declared a red alert in the wake of the devastating floods while South Africa has announced a national disaster.

From BBC • Jan. 19, 2026

The death toll from devastating floods and landslides in Indonesia has risen to 442, according to a tally published by the national disaster agency on Sunday.

From Barron's • Nov. 30, 2025

I always start with emotions, given our worsening national disaster.

From Salon • Aug. 2, 2025

That demoralizing spectacle has been seen far too often during recent years, and at the moment when the war broke out it had led us to the verge of national disaster.

From Freedom In Service Six Essays on Matters Concerning Britain's Safety and Good Government by Hearnshaw, F. J. C. (Fossey John Cobb)