New Zealand : Weather the next threat after earthquake

Severe winds forecast tomorrow may be strong enough to further damage already fragile buildings after the 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Canterbury early this morning.

Many homes have been exposed to the elements, which are expected to take a turn for the worse with gales, and possibly hurricane force winds inland, forecast for tomorrow afternoon.

"Normally gales, up to 130km/h, don't cause too many issues across Canterbury," WeatherWatch.co.nz head weather analyst Philip Duncan said.

"However with so many buildings possibly teetering on collapse we may well see more facades collapsing and chimneys, walls and roofs falling down."

Locals and emergency services should take seriously the MetService wind warning in place for Christchurch and Canterbury until Monday, preparing for more possible power cuts by ensuring torches work and stocking up on batteries.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/4094986/Government-supports-quake-hit-Canterbury