In our February article, we touched on changing weather conditions. This topic is not exclusive to South Africa but is at the forefront of the global arena. Climatic conditions have a severe impact and wreak havoc all over the world. During 2024, the following climatic catastrophes descended upon various countries:
Table: Deadliest meteorological events during 2024
| Rank | Event | Date(s) | Deaths |
| 1 | 2024 Afghanistan–Pakistan floods | March 6 – September 4 | 1,084 |
| 2 | Typhoon Yagi (Enteng) | August 31 — September 8 | 844 |
| 3 | 2024 Enga landslide | May 24 | 670–2,000+ |
| 4 | 2024 Wayanad landslides | July 30 | 254 |
| 5 | Hurricane Helene | September 24–27 | 235 |
| 6 | 2024 Spain floods | October 29 – November 16 | 231 |
| 7 | 2024 Rio Grande do Sul floods | April 29 – May | 181 |
| 8 | Tropical Storm Trami (Kristine) | October 19–29 | 178 |
| 9 | Cyclone Chido | December 7–16 | 172+ |
| 10 | Cyclone Remal | May 24–28 | 85 |
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weather_of_2024
The table provides an overview of various incidents and loss of life. Unfortunately, the cost of loss or damage to property is unreported but will likely run into hundreds of billions of dollars. Storms, floods as well as runaway veld fires have hit parts of the world and caused widespread damage to farmland, crops, vegetation, livestock, animals, birds and other creatures.
Seasons and weather patterns are changing. Planet Earth, strained by environmental issues, is set to remain a medium to long-term challenge for all of us. We need to protect our environment and find ways to navigate through the insurance risk exposures. Our clients have to receive the best possible indemnity within the scope of all our engineering products.
The Consort promise
Our Intermediaries play a key role in the insurance industry. They provide clients with peace of mind that the products Consort offers are aligned with other markets, but moreover, that our combination of price and indemnity is premium.
We can’t ignore what is happening around us, but we can ensure that our products and solutions address the needs of our clients over the years to come. Consort and our Reinsurers are proactively looking at what lies ahead and what can be expected in the future. During 2024, South Africa experienced fierce storms and flooding in various parts of the country.
Consort is keeping an ‘eye on the ball’ to ensure that we do our best to offer the broadest possible cover backed by impeccable service and support. Our organisation has amongst the most highly skilled and qualified management and staff in the engineering insurance space. Whilst our brand spans over 25 years, the skills and knowledge accumulated by our Underwriters add up to more than 200 years.
We are proud to be of service to the insurance industry and will maintain our standards as well as our position as a leading Engineering Insurance Underwriter.
Consort Technical Underwriting Managers (Pty) Ltd is an Authorised Financial Services Provider (FSP 2273) and underwritten by Lombard Insurance Company Limited (FSP 1596) an Insurer licensed to conduct non-life insurance business.