Since morality is not a concept that can be universally agreed upon, i.e. many Christian denominations disagree on the definition of "morality", I fail to understand how anybody can be credible in trying to link natural, God-controlled phenomena to moral behaviors.
I do believe that any natural event occurs with God's permission, and some may impart punishment. This one seems a little too non-selective to me, with Buddhists and Hindus suffering, for example.
If I find the research--a very low priority--I'll post it on the PROPHETIC SIGNS OF END TIMES thread.
The morality issues correlated were pretty standard fare that every culture would easily agree with. Basic values are not that different the world over.
Very few cultures have families loving the neighboring family if the neighboring family is theiving, raping and murdering and the like.