disaster area

noun

1. a region or locality in which the population is generally affected by the occurrence of a major disaster, as a widespread flood, an explosion causing extensive damage, or the like.
2. such a region or locality officially determined to be eligible, under statutory provisions, for emergency governmental relief.

Word History and Origins

Origin of disaster area¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

An initial image of cross-party unity has been replaced by disputes over which institutions had jurisdiction in the disaster areas where at least 218 people lost their lives.

From BBC

"Ultimately, that information informs people outside of the immediate disaster area and prompts them to change their views about the risks of climate change."

From Science Daily

The use of pliable soft materials to collaborate with humans and work in disaster areas has drawn much recent attention.

From Science Daily

Gov. John Gilligan sent more than 2,500 National Guard troops into devastated areas and asked the federal government to declare that part of southwestern Ohio a disaster area.

From Seattle Times

In an interview with The Associated Press, Andrés says he hopes the special brings awareness and donations to his nonprofit, World Central Kitchen, which delivers meals to people in disaster areas.

From Seattle Times