A kind of catastrophe is a NEAR disaster, which is an event that has the potential to cause significant damage or loss of life, but is avoided or minimized due to timely and effective action. NEAR disasters are often caused by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes, but can also be caused by human-made events, such as industrial accidents or terrorist attacks. NEAR disasters can have long-term effects on communities, economies, and ecosystems, and can lead to changes in public policy and emergency response protocols.