As imperator he should have mobilized a few legions to restore order, set up temporary quarters, dig latrines and open the granaries for dole purposes.
Actually show up and behave like he might give a rat's ass about his people.
Sure, but I was thinking of the phrase “WHILE Rome burned” so I was focusing just on the fire-fighting aspect that was pretty hopeless in those days. But you are right of course, there is an enormous set of relief challenges beginning even while such a castrophe is underway and continuing long after.