What are events caused by weather or humans that lead to damage called?

The term that refers to events caused by weather or humans that lead to damage is best described as perils. In the context of insurance, perils represent the specific risks or causes of loss that can affect property. This can include natural phenomena such as storms, floods, and earthquakes, as well as human-related events like theft or vandalism. Understanding perils is essential, as insurance policies typically cover specific perils, meaning they will provide financial protection against losses that occur as a direct result of these events.

Disasters are broader and typically refer to occurrences that cause significant disruption or difficulty to the environment or society, but may not specifically address the direct cause of damage. Hazards, while related, refer to conditions or situations that increase the likelihood of a peril occurring, such as poorly maintained properties being more susceptible to damage from storms. Liabilities refer to legal responsibilities often related to the actions of individuals or businesses, particularly concerning claims for damages or injuries rather than the causes of damage themselves. Therefore, based on the definitions, the most accurate term for events that lead to damage is perils.