When the Unthinkable Happens: The Future of Southeast Asia's Cyclone Risk
Southeast Asia is facing a new era of climate volatility. Cyclonic Storm Senyar’s devastating impact in late 2025 exemplifies this shift. The storm over the Strait of Malacca shattered long-held assumptions that this narrow, bustling maritime corridor was immune to tropical cyclones. With hundreds of fatalities and widespread flooding across several countries, Senyar highlighted the region’s vulnerability to the threat of extreme weather events once considered outliers.
Key insights:
- Unusual but not impossible
While rare, the emergence of Senyar alongside past cyclonic events such as Tropical Cyclone Vamei over the equatorial waters of Southeast Asia serves as a stark reminder that regions thought to be safe are, in fact, exposed to cyclone risks. - Fiercer cyclones expected in the future
The projected increased intensity of tropical cyclones alongside nearer-to-shore formation, slower movement and longer lifespans over land, may bring even more catastrophic impacts to the region. - Urgent need for climate adaptation
It is essential for businesses to understand how the climate may evolve in order to be prepared to withstand future climate conditions, rather than being optimised for past climate conditions.
The unusual development and catastrophic impact of Cyclonic Storm Senyar serve as a wake-up call – what seems improbable today may not reflect the realities of a changing climate – highlighting the need to continually reassess future climate risks.
Download the full article to learn more.
Aon’s Climate Risk Advisory helps organisations to navigate the impact of climate change and capitalise on emerging opportunities. Explore our capabilities or contact us to start a conversation.