The Southern Hemisphere experienced a higher-than-average number of tropical cyclones during the 2024–2025 season, particularly in the Indian Ocean basin. According to Aon’s Reinsurance Solutions, the season saw 27 named storms by April 10, exceeding the long-term average of 23.2 for the same period.
Of these, 15 reached Category 1-2 intensity and 10 were Category 3 or stronger. The Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) for the season reached 243.5, up from the 30-year climatological average of 190.3.
The first named storm, Ancha, formed in early October, nearly one month before the official season start of Nov. 1. Several of the storms, including Garance, Dikeledi, Honde, and Jude, led to substantial property damage and insured losses across territories in the Indian Ocean and Southeast Africa.
Aon reported that Cyclone Garance made direct landfall in Réunion, a French overseas territory, on Feb. 28. The storm caused widespread property damage, including to hundreds of homes.
French public-sector reinsurer Caisse Centrale de Réassurance (CCR) estimated insured losses between €180 million and €200 million (US$195 million–US$216 million). Total economic losses were significantly higher.
In Southeast Africa, storms such as Dikeledi, Honde, and Jude also generated notable impacts, with human and economic losses reported across several countries. These events contributed to heightened attention on storm preparedness and resilience across regions with historically lower exposure to high-intensity tropical systems.
Aon’s insights also highlight Ex-Cyclone Alfred, which struck Australia in early March. The system generated heavy rainfall and damaging winds, particularly in Queensland and northeastern New South Wales. Brisbane, a densely populated urban area, experienced its first significant tropical cyclone approach since 1974. The storm brought record rainfall and widespread flooding, contributing to elevated loss activity.
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) reported nearly 95,000 claims related to Cyclone Alfred, with insured losses estimated at approximately AU$1 billion (US$630 million). Additionally, the North Queensland floods accounted for over 10,000 claims and AU$233 million (US$145 million) in insured losses.
The majority of claims associated with Cyclone Alfred are expected to fall under Australia’s recently introduced Cyclone Reinsurance Pool. Aon noted that while the event was significant in scope, it is not expected to materially impact the broader insurance market.
Aon also pointed to emerging research indicating that future cyclone activity in the Southwest Pacific could expose larger areas to severe winds and extreme rainfall, particularly in southern parts of the basin.
Projections suggest wind speeds may exceed existing building code standards in some regions, reinforcing the importance of forward-looking risk assessments for insurers and reinsurers operating in these zones.
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