The European Union is urging citizens across the continent to stockpile food, water and other essentials to last at least 72 hours as war, cyberattacks, climate change and disease increase the chances of a crisis.

People are being urged to have a few days' worth of supplies of life's essentials amid the rising danger of an emergency or disaster in an increasingly volatile world.

The European Union plans to take steps to prepare both civilians and militaries for potential war, climate disasters, cyberattacks, or health emergencies. As part of the EU's proposals, Crisis Management Commissioner Hadja Lahbib aims to ensure that every household in the EU has a survival kit capable of sustaining them for at least 72 hours.