A disaster is a phenomenon which disrupts the normal environmental conditions required for normal existence and causes enormous sufferings beyond the capacity of adjustment of the affected community. As per origin, disasters are classified into natural and man-made disasters and as per impact, minor or major. There are physical, social, economic and psychological impacts of disaster. There are differential impacts of disaster on vulnerable groups like children, elderly, women and physically and mentally challenged people. Disaster cycle has many phases namely; preparedness, impact and rescue, relief, response, recovery, rehabilitation and mitigation. The Disaster Management Act provides directions for effective management of disasters. Primary focus of this act is to prepare, prevent and plan well ahead of the disaster. This act aims to provide the effective management of all aspects pertaining to disaster. The local community usually responds first and calls for help in any disaster. Local community best knows its resources, traditional knowledge of coping with such events in the past and relevant counter measures regarding disaster management. There are various ways by which well informed citizens can reduce the fear, anxiety, and losses that are bound to occur after a disaster. Nurses play an important role in all phases of disastercycle. Nurse makes and leads the preparedness plan. Nurse participates in triage and first aid of the disaster victims. She plans for recovery and rehabilitation of the affected people. She also collaborates with other   disciplines, governmental and non-governmental agencies. Keywords: Disaster; Disaster cycle; Role of nurses; Classification of disasters; Impact of disasters.