Is "great" used by native speakers to describe calamities any more?

Solution 1:

It may not be common, but it is certainly not unknown. The Great Storm of 16 October 1987 is an example of fairly recent vintage. Because such calamities are rare, one would not necessarily expect many "Great" events.

The Great Storm of 1987 occurred on the night of 15–16 October, when gale-force winds caused casualties and extensive damage on both sides of the English Channel, as a severe depression in the Bay of Biscay moved north-east, affecting the densely-populated London and Home Counties area. Forests, parks, roads and railways were littered with fallen trees, and the National Grid suffered heavy damage, leaving thousands without power. At least 22 people were killed in England and France, and a gust of 106 kn (196 km/h; 122 mph) was recorded in Gorleston, Norfolk.

Images of the Great Storm

[And as a native speaker from Sussex who was woken up by the house gently swaying in the breeze, I can vouch that the event is indeed called Great.]