What best describes a "natural hazard"?

A natural hazard is defined as a naturally occurring event that has the potential to cause harm to people, property, or the environment. This includes events such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and wildfires, which can all lead to significant loss of life or damage to infrastructure. Understanding this definition is crucial within the context of emergency management because it emphasizes the need for preparedness and response strategies specifically tailored to address these types of threats.

The other options describe phenomena that do not fit the definition of a natural hazard; for instance, human-made events that cause chaos or distress refer to man-made disasters, while seasonal weather occurrences typically do not result in harmful effects and therefore would not constitute a hazard. Technological failures represent a different category, often labeled as technological hazards, which are not naturally occurring. Recognizing these distinctions helps professionals focus their planning and resources more effectively in response to genuine natural hazards.