The Causal Chain

Hardly ever is the question asked: "What's behind it all?"
Or: "Where's the primary cause to be found?"

The journalist seems to be satisfied that the flood was due to just another kind of freak weather.

In fact, asking for the true reason causing the disaster, is the most important part, if more catastrophes are to be avoided.

Within the hierarchy of events, the first question must be:

• Has there been deforestation above the level of the disaster?
  

• Why has the population been settling on the top of hills or close to river banks?

When looking for answers, you may find that both are due to population pressure.

Simply blaming "bad weather" for the suffering of the inhabitants is closing your eyes to the chain of causes.
The ostrich effect happens, because going beyond "natural" causes collides with political correctness. It breaks a taboo, or even infringes on latent racism.