Next72Hours - Disaster and Emergency Preparedness

Next72Hours - Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Next72Hours is a website dedicated to Survival in the modern world. We want to equip people to be confident and resourceful.

It is not hard to see that our planet is suffering more and more from big weather events and natural disasters. It is also clear to see that the majority of people are not prepared for such events. It is now commonly accepted worldwide that in the event of a major disaster, be that localized or nation wide, it may take up to 72 hours (three days) before vital services such as power, sewerage and c

lean drinking water can be restored or until suitable replacements can be found. In some places it can take much longer than this. If the event is big enough, vital services can take weeks to restore - assuming the event is a one off, and not recurrent as in the recent earthquakes in Christchurch. We cannot afford to ignore the changes around us and believe that “it will not happen to me” or “she’ll be right”. When disaster strikes, it is imperative everybody has the know how and supplies to be able to look after themselves and those around them until help arrives. More often than not the initial focus after disasters will be on rescue (such as Urban Search and Rescue teams going though collapsed buildings and Dog teams searching through debris to try to locate people). In many cases there just may not be enough resources to go around. They may be blocked off from accessing your area. Worse yet, in the case of a large scale event, the resources may be wiped out altogether. The smallest amount of preparation can make the world of difference when it comes to coping well in situations like this. We urge you to take steps NOW towards being more independent, resourceful and community minded.

30/07/2026

"Wetter, windier weather" is on the way following days of freezing temperatures.

30/07/2026

Winter can bring unique challenges for rural Canterbury, snow, isolation, and disrupted access can impact both people and livestock.

Consider preparing for:
• Feed and water supplies if access is limited
• Backup plans if roads are closed
• Shelter and protection for stock
• Fuel and essential supplies for several days

Check your access routes. Are there alternative ways in or out if conditions change?

Early preparation is especially important in rural areas, where help may take longer to arrive during severe weather.

If you can support neighbours or share resources, that can make a big difference across your community.

👉 More about preparing your community here: https://www.cdemcanterbury.govt.nz/community-ready

28/07/2026

| An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 has struck Japan's Kumamoto prefecture, the Japan Meteorological Agency says.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20260728_15/
28/07/2026

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20260728_15/

A strong earthquake has struck Southern Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency says the magnitude 7.1 quake occurred in Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday afternoon, and had an intensity of 7 on the Japanese scale of 0 to 7 in the hardest-hit areas. The agency has issued a tsunami advisory for the coast...

24/07/2026

💧LIVE 4:30am. Our colder southerly change is moving north, with rain and lowering snow levels.

❄️All Canterbury Weather Updates town pages and warnings will being updated.

❄️📉All eyes are now on late July and through early stages of August, with a high frequency of cold southerlies, rain and snow to low elevations. Heavy falls are possible and this is now being catered for on our Live Weather Feed. Additionally, town pages for start to cater for this period of weather later today. Members - stay tuned.

🏡Updates brought to you by Generation Homes Canterbury.

📲Want more than social media updates and MetService forecasts? Join thousands of Cantabrians today. It takes just 1–2 minutes to sign up, giving you Canterbury’s most detailed, locally moderated and comprehensive weather coverage at your fingertips - https://cwu.co.nz/membership-account/membership-levels/

ℹ️ Homepage: www.cwu.co.nz

📍 TODAY’S WEATHER – MAIN CENTRES

➡️ Christchurch
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/christchurch/

➡️ Rangiora
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/rangiora/

➡️ Rolleston
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/rolleston/

➡️ Ashburton
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/ashburton/

➡️ Timaru
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/timaru/

BANKS PENINSULA

➡️ Port Hills (Sugarloaf – 494m)
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/port-hills-sugarloaf-494m/

➡️ Akaroa
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/akaroa/

➡️ Lyttelton (forecast & webcams)
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/lyttelton/

CANTERBURY HIGH COUNTRY

➡️ Castle Hill Village (forecast, data & webcams)
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/castle-hill

➡️ Arthur’s Pass Village
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/arthurs-pass-village/

RURAL & PROVINCIAL TOWNS

➡️ Waipara
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/waipara/

➡️ Amberley
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/amberley/

➡️ Pegasus
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/pegasus/

➡️ Kaiapoi
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/kaiapoi/

➡️ Cheviot
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/cheviot/

➡️ Culverden
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/culverden/

➡️ Hanmer Springs
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/hanmer-springs/

➡️ Springfield (390m)
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/springfield-390m/

➡️ Oxford
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/oxford/

➡️ Darfield
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/darfield/

➡️ West Melton
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/west-melton/

➡️ Kaikōura
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/kaikoura/

➡️ Methven
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/methven/

➡️ Mt Somers
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/mt-somers/

➡️ Geraldine
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/geraldine/

➡️ Temuka
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/temuka/

➡️ Mt Lyford Village
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/mt-lyford-village-600m/

➡️ Lincoln
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/lincoln/

➡️ Leeston
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/leeston/

➡️ Waimate
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/waimate/

MACKENZIE COUNTRY

➡️ Fairlie
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/fairlie/

➡️ Mt Cook Village
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/mt-cook-village/

➡️ Lake Tekapo
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/lake-tekapo/

➡️ Twizel
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/twizel/

➡️ Omarama
https://cwu.co.nz/forecast/omarama/

© NZ Regional Weather Updates

24/07/2026
24/07/2026

UPDATE - 10am Sat 25 July

🛑 SH43 is now closed between Taumarunui and Tahora.
🛑 SH3 is closed at Awakino Gorge.
🚧 SH4 remains open, although we have received reports of several small slips along the route.

🚙 Please stick to open state highways if driving through the area and you are on a detour. This keeps pressure off of local roads which are not designed to handle significant volumes of traffic.

🚂 The Marton-Hamilton and Whanganui-New Plymouth rail lines are closed for inspection, but are expected to open later today.

🧱 There are reports of minor damage to some buildings in Taumarunui. If you have building damage, please contact Ruapehu District Council and call your insurance company.

🛒 New World Taumarunui will be closed until midday after lights were damaged and product fell from shelves. New World Tūrangi is open, although experienced some product loss from shelves.

✅ Four Squares in Taumarunui, Waimarino and Raetihi are open and operating as normal.

⛷️ Tūoa and Whakapapa ski fields are closed because there's HEAPS of snow falling. Should be a mint day on the maunga tomorrow.

This may be our last update for a wee while. Be sure to follow NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Manawatū-Whanganui & Taranaki for the latest state highway updates, and look after each other out there 🫶

- - -

UPDATE - 6.10am Sat 25 July

🙌 At this stage, there are no reports of injuries or building damage. Power, water and communication systems are all operating.

🚗 Minor slips have been reported in the area, so if you're on the road please drive with care.

👩‍🚒👷 Emergency services and roading crews are assessing the situation, but a fuller view of any impacts is unlikely to be available until the sun comes up.

- - -

🫨 Well, so much for a Saturday morning sleep in 🫨

GeoNet is reporting a magnitude 5.7 earthquake occurred at 4.51am this morning (Sat 25 July) 5km south-west of Taumarunui, at a depth of 9km. They've given it a "severe" shaking rating.

✅ If you're in the area and are in danger, call 111 immediately.
✅ Be ready to drop, cover, hold for any aftershocks.
✅ Check yourself for injuries and get first aid if necessary. Help others if you can.
✅ Listen to local radio stations for official advice.

⚡️ If you spot fallen power lines, stay well clear (about the length of a bus is a good distance) and report any damage to The Lines Company by calling 0800 367 328.

📝 If your property is damaged, take notes and photographs for insurance purposes. If you rent your property, contact your landlord and your contents insurance company as soon as possible.

We'll provide updates as and when we have more information.

24/07/2026

Updated Road Snowfall Warnings ❄️ 🚗

It's turning bitterly cold behind these fronts with snow levels lowering! We have Road Snowfall Warnings across both islands.

Please take care when travelling over the next few days and wrap up warm. 🧤

More info: metservice.com/warnings

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

Address

Christchurch

Website

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