By that logic, then people deserve what they get for living in areas that may get hit by tornados at a greater frequency than others, even if it hasn't happened for a couple generations. Ditto for earthquakes, wildfires, etc.

I'm not supporting people who build a new house or buy a house in what is clearly a flood prone area. But, what is or isnt a flood prone area can change thru time (both positively or negatively) due to natural conditions or man-made modifications. Any hydrologist can tell you that.