Hilde Sirnes, who is a sailor’s chaplain for, among other Norwegian students abroad, travels to Seoul. There she will help Norwegians who have been affected by the tragedy that happened during the All Saints’ Eve celebration in South Korea’s capital. The majority of the 153 who died in the stampede are said to be youths and young adults in their 20s who were out on the town on Saturday evening in the popular nightlife area of Itaewon in Seoul. According to Ansa, the organization for Norwegian students abroad, there are currently around 100 Norwegian students in South Korea. In addition, many Norwegian companies are represented in the city. Sirnes hopes to be able to gather the Norwegians affected by the tragedy as soon as possible. – I know that in such situations there is a need to meet. The aim is to try to organize a gathering for the students already on Tuesday evening, she says to news. Sailor priest Hilde Sirnes travels to Seoul to help after the accident during the Halloween celebrations in South Korea’s capital. Photo: Martin Fønnebø / news Sirnes says that Sjømannskyrkja has an agreement with many companies and with Ansa which means that they try to be on the scene as quickly as possible when tragedy strikes. Together in grief – Our experience is that when you have experienced something as traumatic as I think this must have been, it is good to just be together. It’s good to speak one’s own language, and it’s good to be together with others who have happened, she says. There are a total of three Norwegians traveling to South Korea. It has not been decided how long they will stay. – You never know when things like this happen. We will be there as long as there is a need. I reckon that many of the Norwegians know several people who have been hurt, and that they are having a hard time now. She says that Sjømannskyrkja has a lot of experience when sudden and painful deaths occur. In such cases, they tend to gather those who happen to be together. – We light candles and talk about those who are no longer here, and share pictures. Just like I do when something happens in Norway. Great need to talk Her experience is that the need is great. She says that it is often extra big for young people and when it takes time before you can be together with your family. The Sjømannskyrkja often provides assistance to the family back home in Norway. – Maybe we pick them up at the airport and check that they are taken care of. Often small things like choosing a plane seat become difficult because one is so lost in grief. She says that every year the Sjømannskyrkja experiences situations where young Norwegians have died abroad. Sometimes they have to deliver tidings of death. – It’s never something you get used to. I myself have children of student age, and can hardly imagine what it is like to be told that the child has been in an accident, is seriously injured or is no longer alive. Her advice to the Norwegians in South Korea must take care of each other, and be together and show good care. Working to get an overview The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Sunday morning that one Norwegian citizen is among the dead. According to Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Ane Haavardsdatter Lunde, the next of kin have been notified, but the name of the person has not been made public. Lunde confirms that they have been in contact with several Norwegians during the weekend. The Norwegian embassy in Seoul is working to get a complete overview. If you are in Seoul and need assistance, you can contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ operational center on telephone +47 23 95 00 00 or e-mail [email protected]. – We encourage Norwegian citizens in South Korea to contact family and friends who may be worried, says Lunde to news. Map of the area where 153 people lost their lives in Seoul.
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Norwegian priest travels to South Korea after the Halloween tragedy – news Urix – Foreign news and documentaries
