Christian pilgrims in Lourdes forced to evacuate due to rising river levels

Heavy rainfall in southern France caused flooding at the famous Lourdes shrine, resulting in the evacuation of approximately 450 pilgrims. The shrine, known for its grotto believed to be where the Virgin Mary appeared in 1858, had water levels rise about one meter deep, temporarily closing the site. Staff, volunteers, and emergency services worked to clear the floodwater and reopen the sanctuary. Local officials reported that evacuated individuals included pilgrims and nearby residents from hotels and campsites. The flooding, which began on Thursday, had caused significant damage to the holy site in the past, most notably in October 2012. Lourdes is a popular pilgrimage site, attracting millions of visitors annually. The recent flooding highlights the vulnerability of the shrine to extreme weather events, raising concerns about the impact of climate change on such sacred places. Despite the challenges posed by the flooding, efforts are being made to ensure the safety of pilgrims and the preservation of the historic site.

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