| 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. |
| disaster area n. An area that officially qualifies for emergency governmental aid as a result of a catastrophe, such as an earthquake or flood. |