- The intersection of a hazard, high population, and high vulnerability results in a major catastrophe. This type of event will be associated with high mortality, high morbidity, and high economic costs (often uninsured).

- Significant events can also occur in vulnerable areas with less dense population. Though the loss of human life will not be as great, there will often be similar levels of economic loss.

Other information: Natural Disasters: Forecasting Economic and Life Losses