On the 9th, bereaved families were collecting urns and holding them in their arms at a private columbarium in Dongnim-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju, which was flooded due to heavy rain. Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Seul-gi] As heavy rain poured over the southern regions including Yeonghonam, a private columbarium located on the banks of the Yeongsan River in Gwangju suffered flood damage. The columbarium reportedly prepared recovery measures, including re-cremating all the remains that had been submerged.
According to Buk-gu, Gwangju on the 9th, the private columbarium located in Dongnim-dong Waterfront Park was damaged as rainwater and river water flooded into the building due to the southern region's heavy rain exceeding 600mm. As a result, the underground memorial hall housing 1,800 urns was completely submerged up to the ceiling.
On the afternoon of the 8th, the columbarium sent a text message stating, "We apologize for the delayed contact due to a power outage. We will do our best to restore the damage." Due to the late notification from the columbarium, the bereaved families were only able to visit the columbarium that night or confirm the site on the morning of the 9th.
Accordingly, the bereaved families reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the initial response of the columbarium. On that day, as the drainage work was nearing completion, the families entered the underground floor of the columbarium to check the condition of the urns. Since the fixed glass door was not damaged, it is known that despite the flooding, the urns remained in place without loss.
The columbarium stated, "We will cover all costs involved in recovery, including re-cremation and urn production." In response, the bereaved families have protested, with some expressing intentions to move to another columbarium and others planning to retrieve the urns and take them home.
Meanwhile, the bereaved families announced that they will soon form a representative meeting to reach an agreement with the columbarium operators regarding the recovery procedures.
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