We have VERY short memories when it comes to natural diasters, take a
look at this website from the USGS:

http://neic.usgs.gov/neis/eqlists/eqsmajr.html

Particularly shocking is the earthquake of 27th July 1976 in China, only
30 years ago, The official death toll from the Chinese authorities was
255,000 - although many suspect it was likely double - upto 655,000 !

Then of course we have other natural disasters - Volcanoes, Hurricanes
and Floods etc.