Natural Hazards: A natural hazard is defined as an extreme event that occurs naturally and causes harm to humans or to other things that we care about. Natural hazards that are common in Costa Rica include flooding, volcanic activity, and earthquakes.

Natural Disasters: A natural disaster is defined as a sudden and terrible event in nature (such as a hurricane, tornado, or flood) that usually results in serious damage and many deaths. Some of the most common natural disasters occurring in Costa Rica are flooding and hurricanes. 

Catastrophe: A catastrophe is defined as a momentous tragic event ranging from extreme misfortune to utter overthrow or ruin.