Rain Forces Graves Above Ground In Fla. Cemetery

GIFFORD (CBSMiami) – South Florida and other parts of the state are still drying out from October's record-breaking rainfall but the downpours have nearly raised the dead in a central Florida cemetery.

The Vero Beach News Journal reports the heavy rain has forced a number of buried concrete vaults to rise above ground at a cemetery in Gifford, north of Vero Beach.

Gifford Cemetery spokeswoman Delores Hayes said the rain loosened the soil, which allowed the concrete encasements which hold the coffins to pop out of the ground. She said no caskets were visible.

Hayes said they are aware of the problem and are working to fix it, however, crews have to wait until the soil dries to assess the damage and bury the vaults again.

Officials say nearby Vero Beach got an estimated 21.93 inches of rain in October, making it the second wettest month on record.

Residents told the newspaper a similar situation occurred during the 2004 hurricane season but it was worse back then because some vaults were floating.