Can a New Web Site Forecast Earthquakes?

December 5, 2009
By Will Frampton
News10/KXTV

DAVIS, CA - They don't claim to have any new science that can predict the exact location and time of the next earthquake, but John Rundle and Bill Graves believe they've developed a powerful online tool to help prepare for the next big one -- whenever it happens.

From the Pacific Rim to Southeast Asia and beyond, Rundle and Graves believe their website Open Hazards could change the way people plan for the natural disasters.

"This is the first time the ordinary person in the public has been able to go and get a global forecast of an earthquake, together with an estimate of the damage and loss to the house," said Dr. Rundle, co-founder of the Open Hazards Group.

"If it works out, it's going to help a lot of people," said President and CEO Dr. Graves. "It's a new capability that hasn't been available, and could save lives."

A user can go to the site, enter a location, and get an instant estimate of the earthquake risk in that region for the short and long-term.

There's also a feature that determines how much you would have to pay in damages should an tremor affect your property.

"Some people may look at their house and say maybe I do need insurance," said Rundle.

The website [1] has been up and running for a few weeks now, but the founders are only now making it known to the public.

They plan to add a page that will help people make their house structurally safer, and also a feature that helps you decide whether or not to buy earthquake insurance.

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