Rescuers search for survivors. (Photos by Reuters)
Albania (MNN) ― Albania's defense minister quit his job after a weapons depot near the capital blew up. According to the reports, the blasts began Saturday and continued for 14 hours.
Continuing explosions rained artillery shells down on nearby villages and destroyed more than 300 homes. Officials acknowledge the explosions came while teams were working to destroy excess ammunition stockpiled since Albania's communist past.
Enkelejda Kumaraku is with a Trans World Radio partner Valët e Ungjillit (‘Gospel Waves'), broadcasting from Tirana, Albania. She says the deadly tragedy had a severe impact on many of their listeners.
Authorities evacuated 4,000 people from the area. The radio staff has been responding by providing humanitarian aid, among other things. "In a few minutes, they were without home, without clothes, without basic needs. So we've been working with our other partner organizations to help them and show our love for them and our care for them, not just by our words but by our deeds."
Kumaruku says while her staff of nine has been shaken, they are trying to rebuild through their broadcasts. The staff produces programs in Albanian, including Thru the Bible and Women of Hope. They also have programs focusing on prayer and the needs of the listeners.
Even as rescuers search for survivors, the ministry of TWR in this region is bringing hope. "From the very beginning, we've been recording the interviews of people--not just giving the sad stories, but trying to really tell people that God has a plan for their lives, and God has a plan for the country, and His plan is going to be fulfilled."
