Which word refers to a sudden, violent event causing damage or destruction?

The correct choice is a word that conveys a significant and often unforeseen event resulting in extensive harm or disruption. "Disaster" specifically encapsulates this concept, as it refers to events such as natural disasters or catastrophic occurrences that lead to widespread damage and hardship for individuals, communities, and environments.

In contrast, although "calamity" is also a term that denotes great misfortune or disaster, it may not always imply the extensive impact or scale of destruction that "disaster" does. "Incident," while it can denote an occurrence, does not necessarily imply severity or destruction. Similarly, "collision" typically pertains to a specific type of event involving the striking of two bodies, which may cause damage but does not broadly encompass the vast range of violent events conveyed by "disaster."

This highlights why "disaster" is the most fitting term for a sudden, violent event that results in significant damage or destruction.