Which of the following describes a consequence of a disaster as recognized by the Red Cross?

The choice highlighting the significant impact that requires external assistance accurately reflects the Red Cross's understanding of the consequences of a disaster. When a disaster occurs, it often overwhelms the existing resources and capabilities of the affected communities. This can manifest in various forms, such as loss of infrastructure, displacement of people, and critical shortages of essentials like food, water, and medical services.

As a result, these situations typically necessitate support from external organizations such as the Red Cross, government entities, and international aid groups to effectively respond to the needs of those impacted. The need for coordinated assistance underscores the scale and severity of the situation, differentiating it from less severe events that can be managed on a local level.

In contrast, the other options suggest scenarios that may not accurately represent the severity or complexity usually associated with disasters. A temporary disruption of normal activities, for example, could indicate a minor incident rather than a full-scale disaster that disrupts a community's functioning necessitating greater intervention.