natural disaster; act of God
Refers to disasters caused by natural forces, such as earthquakes, floods, or typhoons. Often used in formal, legal, or insurance contexts.
Japan is a country with many natural disasters.
The damage was determined to be due to an act of God.
Last year, we were struck by an earthquake, a natural disaster.
That region is hit by natural disasters almost every year.
Damage caused by a natural disaster is sometimes covered by insurance.
Measures such as raising levees are being taken to prevent natural disasters.