Twelve never-released Shakeout Scenario supplemental reports are now available on the Natural Hazards Center website. The reports were produced by consultants working on the U.S. Geological Survey-California Geological Survey planning study that hypothesized a 7.8 magnitude earthquake on the southern San Andreas Fault .

A Southern California earthquake of that magnitude could kill 1,800 people, injure 50,000 and wreak more than $200 billion in damage, according to the scenario. The study is the framework for "Golden Guardian '08"— California’s largest earthquake preparedness drill, set for November 13—and the most comprehensive look at the havoc a major earthquake would wreak in California.

The full Shakeout Scenario was presented to Congress May 22, 2008. The newly released supplementary reports examine specific potential vulnerabilities such as fire following an earthquake, the performance of concrete buildings and unreinforced masonry, compromised hazardous materials and pipelines, and other concerns. Visit our Resource section to access all 12 reports.