Lourdes sanctuary submerged by sudden overnight deluge

A video has surfaced online showing a flooded sanctuary in Lourdes. The violent flood occurred during the night. According to French media, no one was injured, but the entire region is grappling with the aftermath of the deluge.

A video from France was posted on the X service (formerly Twitter). It shows the sanctuary in Lourdes, which was inundated on the night from Friday to Saturday due to the overflowing river in the area. French media reported that the Grotto of the Apparitions had to be closed.

The flood occurred around 1:00 AM. The Gave de Pau river, located near the holy site, overflowed at that time, flooding the sacred place.

Last night, the water level rose very quickly – explained David Torchala, the sanctuary’s communications director.

French media reported that the Chapel of Lights was among the flooded areas. The facility's management stated that the extent of the damage "cannot yet be assessed."

The remaining part of the sanctuary remains open to visitors, and ceremonies that were to take place in the grotto have been relocated. Pilgrims are still present at the site.

The entire Hautes-Pyrénées region has been affected by the violent flood. Firefighters reported having to contend with the vital element in the morning. In total, rescue services moved nearly thirty people to safe municipal buildings.

The water level is currently dropping – assured the communications director at the Lourdes sanctuary on Saturday morning.

At the same time, 500 people in the southern part of the department are without power. In the Hautes-Pyrénées region, Météo-France authorities have declared a flood alert.