New Zealand’s Earthquake Commission, EQC, is adopting locally developed risk-modelling software that helps users assess risks to buildings, infrastructure and people from natural hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis and floods.

RiskScape was developed jointly by GNS Science and the National Institute of Water and Atmosphere.

EQC’s first focus is on earthquake loss modelling for residential buildings, and the government body says the modelling software will be thoroughly testing to make sure there is a smooth transition to the new tool.

EQC CEO Sid Miller says development work on the next generation of EQC modelling using RiskScape is already underway and will go live later this year.

“Having all three organisations pooling resources into the same risk modelling tool instead will create a centre of excellence for New Zealand,” he said.

The current version of RiskScape has already helped governments in Vanuatu, Samoa and Indonesia better manage their natural hazard risks.