For providing earthquake data for a defined area, stored are locations of a plurality of earthquake epicenters and seismic parameters associated with a plurality of seismic zones. The seismic parameters are indicative at least of magnitude and likelihood of earthquakes in each of the seismic zones. A location of a selected epicenter, within the defined area, is determined (S31) from the stored locations. Determined from the seismic parameters is a selected magnitude (S34) associated with a selected seismic zone comprising the selected epicenter. Established are characteristics of a plurality of earthquake events (S3) in the area over a defined length of time. The characteristics of an earthquake event include at least a selected epicenter and a selected magnitude. Generated is a signal indicative of the characteristics of the earthquake events. Enabled is an easy to maintain earthquake hazard model, having flexible and simple parameterization, and providing earthquake data consistent with historical data.