America has a unique elected form of government, so some responsibility for the character of its leaders rests with its people. And Irene did hit a largely liberal area. I do not think a prophet exists today who can furnish a definitive reading on whether God meant something in particular by Irene. Most Christians accept that the world of sorrow we know today is a battleground between God and Satan, and that events occurring in it reflect powers of both good and evil.
There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” Luke 13:1-5