major disaster
major disaster. A hurricane, tornado, storm, flood, earthquake, drought, fire, or other catastrophe that, when it occurs within the United States, the President determines to be a sufficiently severe threat to warrant disaster assistance by the federal government. • When the President declares a major disaster, the federal government supplements the efforts and available resources of states and local governments and relief organizations in alleviating the damage, loss, hardship, and suffering caused by the catastrophe. 40 CFR § 109. [Cases: United States 82(5). C.J.S. United States § 160.]
