Too much water at Lourdes: Clean-up under way

Friday, October 26th, 2012

A massive clean-up was under way Sunday in the French pilgrimage town of Lourdes, famed for its Catholic sanctuaries, after flash floods forced the evacuation of some 450 pilgrims and closed the main shrine.

As the waters receded to reveal thick carpets of mud, serious damage to the sanctuaries became apparent, but they were due to gradually start reopening from Monday morning.

However the Massabielle cave, where Catholics believe the Virgin Mary appeared to peasant girl Bernadette Soubirous in 1858, remained flooded Sunday, with debris including wood, candles and branches floating on the surface.

More than 450 pilgrims were evacuated from flooded hotels Saturday. Continue reading

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News category: Odd Spot.

Tags: Lourdes

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