[dr_lew]

...the study seems to build on previous research suggesting that the desire to turn to God for an explanation for disaster is a widespread human urge.

What's wrong with "Mother Nature's wrath" ? That seems to cover the field pretty well, and even these editors invoked it, presumably with plenty of time for consideration.

[Olog-hai]

Possibly too religious for the atheistic types, given that the phrase “Mother Nature” comes from mother goddess beliefs.