There are developed nations with robust civil societies, legitimate sources of authority and reliable infrastructure. And then there are developing nations, where there are corrupt elites, gangs in the suburbs and unpassable roads. Uncertainty is more of a condition of everyday existence in a developing nation. A disaster becomes harder to discern in this environment. If a motorway bridge collapses is this an accident? A terror attack? The result of unplanned urbanisation? Or is it just one of those things? When does a situation demand a short-term disaster response? And when is long-term humanitarian assistance required? Is this is a job for local emergency services, an international charity or the United Nations? Here’s what the Red Cross thinks – http://www.ifrc.org/en/what-we-do/disaster-management/about-disasters/what-is-a-disaster/