Abstract
Due to its special geographical location, three major earthquakes have been experienced in Sichuan Province, China over the past two decades. In response to the three earthquakes, the provincial government has served as a connective link between the central government and the county governments, thus demonstrating its unique and indispensable role in the disaster relief process. Taking the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, the 2013 Lushan earthquake and the 2017 Jiuzhaigou earthquake as the research objects, this paper used the field research and interview method to make a longitudinal comparison of the roles and functions of the Sichuan Provincial Government in terms of policy, funding and emergency rescue in the three major earthquakes. It was found that (1) the role of Sichuan Provincial Government in the disaster relief process has changed; (2) although the government’s earthquake relief investment decreased, the proportion of the total investment in Sichuan earthquake disaster relief from the government’s own expenditure generally rose; (3) the emergency response and disposal capacity of Sichuan Provincial Government has been greatly improved. References and suggestions were also given for disaster relief and mitigation system construction for other disasters and other areas from a provincial government perspective.