Which of the following events is classified as a disaster?

A disaster is typically defined as a significant disruption that causes widespread harm, necessitating external assistance to manage and recover from the event. In this context, a natural disaster such as a hurricane fits the definition perfectly; it can lead to loss of life, injuries, property damage, and has the potential to overwhelm local capacities for response and recovery. Hurricanes disrupt communities on a large scale, significantly affecting the social and economic structures.

In contrast, an emergency meeting, a traffic jam, or an organized community event do not generally disrupt everyday life to the extent that would classify them as disasters. An emergency meeting may be called to respond to a situation, but it does not itself create a disruptive event. A traffic jam, while inconvenient and potentially frustrating, does not result in the same degree of widespread harm, and an organized community event is typically a planned occurrence that aims to foster community engagement rather than a crisis. Thus, the hurricane stands out as a clear example of a disaster due to its severe impact and the necessity for substantial response efforts.