Lourdes, France – Approximately 450 pilgrims were evacuated from the revered Lourdes shrine on Saturday after a severe rainstorm led to significant flooding at the site.
The shrine, renowned for its association with apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1858, experienced water levels rising up to one meter, inundating areas including the grotto where the Marian visions are believed to have occurred.
The flooding was triggered by persistent heavy rainfall that began on Thursday, which caused a nearby river to overflow its banks.
The surge of water led to the shrine’s altar being submerged, and significant parts of the pilgrimage site were left under water. In response, the shrine was temporarily closed as staff, volunteers, and emergency services mobilized to address the situation.
Local officials reported that the evacuation affected both pilgrims and residents from adjacent hotels and campsites, who were relocated to safer areas as a precaution. The swift and coordinated efforts of emergency responders aimed to mitigate the impact of the flooding and ensure the safety of those affected.
The flooding at Lourdes is not unprecedented; the shrine has faced similar challenges in the past. In October 2012, heavy rains caused severe damage to the site, disrupting the pilgrimage activities and leading to extensive repairs. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the shrine’s vulnerability to extreme weather conditions.
The Lourdes shrine is one of the most visited pilgrimage destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year. Its significance to the Catholic faithful and its role in spiritual tourism make it a critical location for religious and cultural heritage.
The current flooding situation has drawn considerable concern from both local and international communities, highlighting the ongoing challenges of managing such a significant site amidst changing weather patterns.
As recovery operations continue, local authorities are working to restore normalcy and assess the full extent of the damage. The shrine’s management has assured that efforts will be made to reopen the site as soon as it is safe to do so, and measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In the meantime, pilgrims and tourists are advised to stay updated on the status of the shrine through official channels and to exercise caution in light of the ongoing weather conditions. The Lourdes community remains hopeful for a swift recovery and the resumption of normal pilgrimage activities in the near future.
