Do voters punish politicians for natural disasters?

See the article Do voters punish politicians for natural disasters? for a discussion of a long-debated topic.
Washington Post, July 28, 2012. Actually, the last paragraph says it all:

So, to sum up the relevant advice for any incumbent politician trying to win reelection: Natural disasters can cost votes, but a competent disaster-relief effort will usually help with voters. There’s no electoral upside to making preparations beforehand for a disaster. And better hope the local football team does well in late October.