Lourdes, Sept 10, 2024: Roughly 450 pilgrims have had to be evacuated from the world renowned Marian shrine in Lourdes, France, after heavy rainfall caused a riverbank to burst and flood the site.
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, which is a popular destination for Catholics, was partially submerged after the River Ousse overflowed on September 8, according to Euronews.
The site, which some believe to be the place where the Virgin Mary appeared in 1858, was temporarily closed following the flooding after its altar was submerged under water.
Many pilgrims and visitors were evacuated as staff, volunteers and emergency services worked to clear the floodwater and reopen the sanctuary.
The shrine attracts millions of pilgrims every year. It has suffered flooding in the past, with a deluge in October 2012 causing significant damage to the holy site.
Source: premierchristian.news