Christian pilgrims in Lourdes forced to evacuate due to overflowing nearby river

Approximately 450 pilgrims to the Lourdes shrine in France were evacuated after heavy rainfall caused flooding, submerging the popular pilgrimage site. A nearby river overflowed, causing water levels to rise about one meter deep in front of a grotto believed by some to be the place where the Virgin Mary appeared in 1858. The shrine was temporarily closed, with its altar submerged under water. Staff, volunteers, and emergency services worked together to clear the floodwater and reopen the sanctuary. Local officials reported that the evacuated individuals included pilgrims and residents from nearby hotels and campsites. The heavy rain had been ongoing since Thursday, leading to the flooding. Lourdes is a major pilgrimage site that attracts millions of visitors each year. Past flooding in October 2012 had caused significant damage to the holy site. Despite the challenges posed by the flooding, efforts are being made to ensure the safety and wellbeing of pilgrims and visitors to the historic shrine in southern France.

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