Of course God can and will do whatever he wants, but his final judgment will be the time for this kind of reckoning. I am uncomfortable with confidently declaring that this or that natural disaster was God’s punishment. Job’s friends made a similar mistake. We simply do not know.
Matthew 24:33 ...’So likewise ye, when ye shall see all
these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.’
We don’t know when. . . .but just looking at America then and now and where she is heading, you have to admit we are getting closer.
The main thing. . .is the main thing. . .Be Ready at all times. . .no one is guaranteed a next breath on earth. http://www.patburt.com/
Jesus agrees with you.
From Luke:
13 Now on the same occasion there were some present who reported to Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.
2 And Jesus said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered this fate?
3 I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.
4 Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem?
5 I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”
“...uncomfortable declaring that this or that natural disaster was God’s punishment...”
I actually agree with this position completely; however there is precedent in history in the bible that God has wiped out a hopelessly evil population.
However, it is for God to decide, not us, as you correctly point out, and we don’t ever presume to know the mind of God.
However it is possible that it could happen, since it has.