RESUMO
A disastrous tsunami hit the littoral countries of the Indian Ocean towards the end of 2004. Upon instructions from higher authorities, our hospital dispatched an able and efficient relief team to Sri Lanka. During the 17 days of relief efforts, the team treated and cured close to 3 000 victims, winning high praise from the government of the disaster-hit country, We have learned from organizing the relief work that effective organization and coordination is the key to smooth preparation, powerful ideological work is the guarantee of fulfilling the task, careful training and technical support is the basis of ensuring the success of the task, sufficient material preparation is the essential condition for completing the task, and unimpeded communication is beneficial to understanding the situation and seeking countermeasures in a limely manner.