Albania seeks U.N. help after blast

NEW YORK, March 19 (UPI) -- The United Nations said Wednesday Albania has asked for help in dealing with the aftermath of explosions that leveled a military ammunition depot.

Albania requested that a U.N. disaster assessment and coordination team be dispatched to help authorities determine how to proceed, the United Nations said in a news release.

At least 18 people died and more than 390 others were injured -- 40 seriously -- when a series of massive blasts occurred Saturday at the Gerdec depot where crews were destroying old military ordnance.

More than 300 homes were reported to have been destroyed and more than 2,000 other buildings were damaged. About 4,000 people have been offered emergency shelter after being evacuated from vicinity of the village of Vore, located close to the depot.

The United Nations said the situation is complicated by thousands of artillery shells, mortar shells, grenades and small arms ammunition that litter the area for up to three miles around the blast site. Up to 130,000 tons of old ammunition is still awaiting demolition at other sites in Albania, the United Nations said.