noun
Refers to a serious unfortunate event, often with a nuance of misfortune or bad luck. Slightly formal and less common in everyday speech than 災害 or 事故.
その村は大きな厄災に見舞われた。
The village was struck by a great calamity.
厄災を未然に防ぐための対策が必要だ。
Measures are needed to prevent disasters before they happen.