Lourdes update: Grotto safe as floodwaters recede

Screenshot earlier today - safety barrier removed and final clear-up before pilgrims return.

After yesterday's flash flood in Lourdes, which saw the River Gave burst its banks and engulf the walkway in front of the Grotto and the Prairie on the other side of the river - the water levels are now slowly receding. Thanks to a quick response from the emergency teams, a barrier put in front of the Grotto early yesterday morning, protected the Sanctuary from water damage. Other flood defences along the Domain also saved much of the area from worse damage, although the Prairie is very waterlogged.

At the height of yesterday's flooding, the water level reached 2.91metres - considerably lower than the June 2013 flood which peaked at 4.75 metres - but dangerous if the authorities had not quickly sprung into action.

The protective barrier in front of the Grotto has now been removed, and area has been cleaned by a team of workers and volunteers.

Throughout the heavy rain and flooding, all the pilgrim groups were safe and the Masses and processions normally held in the Grotto were simply moved to higher ground. The weather now is calmer and drier.

This evening (Thursday 14 June) the Grotto was reopened for a procession and prayers.

Latest film from the Grotto: www.lourdes-france.org/en/tv-lourdes

Film of clearing up operations earlier today: www.lourdes-france.org/en/tv-lourdes/processions/procession-eucharistique-lourdes-14-juin-2018

See earlier report: ICN 13 June 2018 Lourdes hit by flash floods - www.indcatholicnews.com/editarticle/35082