Calamity
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3
Severity Scale
Use 'calamity' for events more destructive than 'accidents' but less than 'apocalypses'. The forest fire was a calamity for the affected wildlife.
Pro Tip 2/3
Human Suffering
'Calamity' often implies that people were harmed or are in distress. The famine represented a great calamity for the region.
Pro Tip 3/3
Not Personal
Typically not used for personal troubles unless they're extremely severe, affecting many. Losing her job was a calamity for her entire family.