Unless somone possesses Ruach Hakodesh, they have no right to tell us what caused the Holocaust, Hurricane Sandy, or any other disaster. They are free to instruct Klal Yisroel or any individual with guidance on what to be mesaken. The Ben Ish Chai spoke in general, as is found in Shas many times (for example in Pirkei Avos (5:10)) that certain types of tragedies happen as punishment for certain categories of aveiros. However, cheshbonos for specific events are complex beyond the comprehension of mortal humanity. Anyone who tells me the precise cause for Sandy is either a kofer, a ball gaava, or a plain idiot.
