The word overthrow
most likely refers to the destruction of cities by military assault rather than a natural disaster. Thus, the comparison with Sodom and Gomorrah is with regard to the suddenness and thoroughness of the destruction. It does not refer to the same means of destruction.1
11 “I overthrew some of you, as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and you were as a brand plucked out of the burning; yet you did not return to me,”declares the LORD.