Lourdes shrines, devastated by floods, likely closed for weeks
June 24, 2013
Administrators of the Marian shrine at Lourdes, France, say that the famous pilgrimage site will be closed for “weeks to come” because of extensive damage caused by floods that crested last week.
The Lourdes shrine was evacuated last week when waters poured into the buildings and the pools where thousands of sick people bath in hope of a cure. Although the waters have now receded, some chapels remain more than two feet deep in mud left by the flooding, and damage to the buildings is extensive. A spokesman for administrators described the situation as “catastrophic.”
The June 2013 flood was the second to have struck Lourdes in less than a year; the sanctuary was also evacuated because of damaging floods in October 2012.
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Further information:
- Lourdes appeals to Pope as it is declared a disaster zone (Daily Telegraph)
- Lourdes shrine again closed by floods (CWN, 6/18)
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