While the “rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain”, the post-flood mud (and a good dose of crowd indignation) was heaped squarely on regal shoulders during protests after Valencia’s storms (“Flood fury as mob hurls mud at murderer king” DT, 5/11). During urgent rescue efforts, most Australians on site would not welcome visiting VIPs who distract from the life-saving work of volunteers. Yet it is an over-reaction for the Spaniards to call their king a murderer. Governments do deserve criticism if there is a delayed response as occurred monumentally in New Orleans with Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Natural disasters in Australia unite communities because authorities are usually well prepared. Perhaps the upside to Australia having a litany of bushfires, floods, mine collapses, MVAs, droughts and industrial accidents is that each time we come together with our compassionate humanity and demonstrate charity when it is urgently needed. King Felipe’s reign in Spain might be improved if he learnt a few Aussie lessons about disaster management. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta 6Nov2024