The first step of the scientific method is to pose a question or problem to be investigated.
Plenty of food and clean water contribute to low death rates. Availability of medicine and social support often coincide with low death rates as well.
Tropical cyclones require warm surface waters at least 80° F or 27° C. During the late summer months, the sea surface temperatures reach their highest levels and provide tropical cyclones with the energy they need to develop into major storms.