Agencies swing into action

The Irish aid agency Concern's first major consignment of emergency supplies arrived in Kukes, at the Albanian border with Kosovo…

The Irish aid agency Concern's first major consignment of emergency supplies arrived in Kukes, at the Albanian border with Kosovo, on Saturday. Plastic sheeting, healthcare materials, water and sanitation equipment, feeding kits and blankets were among the supplies that were put to immediate use for the thousands of Kosovar refugees who have crossed into Albania over the last two days.

"These people are exhausted, hungry and traumatised," said Mr David Begg, Concern's chief executive, who is in Albania. "They are in a much worse physical condition than earlier arrivals. The stories they have to tell of the brutality and abuse they have experienced or witnessed in Kosovo, is harrowing but unfortunately, all too familiar."

For donations:

Concern: 1850 410 510

Christian Aid: (01) 496 6184

Goal: (01) 280 9779

Irish Red Cross: 1850 507070

Oxfam: (01) 661 8544

Trocaire: (01) 288 5385

Unicef: (01) 878.3000

World Vision: 1850 789 200

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