Some updates on the Lourdes floods (as at 19/06/2013):
Please keep everyone there in your prayers..
Latest news (17:58, French time): Lourdes Sanctuary has released details of how to make a donation to help with repairing the flood damage: http://fr.lourdes-france.org/evenement/solidarite-inondations-2013
Latest news (16:09, French time): The Mayor of Lourdes has said that the town is "traumatised". These floods are far more severe than those in October. The flooding is likely to be nearly as severe, or more severe than that of 1937, the highest recorded at 5.3m. Whilst the October floods affected roughly ten hotels, this time the number is many times greater. The affected hotels may not be able to reopen this season. The financial cost will be huge. Seasonal workers are likely to be badly affected too.
Latest news (14:59 - UK time): How it looked yesterday, a video from the Lourdes Sanctuaries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=QHGqf1BFx7I#!
Latest update 12:54 (UK time): From news reports it seems that the highest flooding was reached just before midnight on Tuesday 18 June. Today, the staff of the Sanctuaries, many on duty since 4 am have, since daybreak, been clearing mud as the waters recede. The Accueil Notre Dame, where our Pilgrimage stays, flooded to over a metre. The Low Stations of the Cross, flooded to 1.3 metres. Much of the town is still without electricity. Two government ministers are going to visit given the seriousness of the damage (Min for the Interior and Min for Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy)
Latest update from Lourdes at 11.43 (France): The situation is extremely critical. Impossible to put a cost on clear up, but they fear the worst. In the Underground Basilica the flooding is so severe that the altar is completely submerged. St Joseph's Chapel is also submerged.
Latest Lourdes Sanctuary update at 10.20 on 19th June: Closed since yesterday morning, the Basilica of St. Pius X (the Underground Basilica) is also flooded with probably more than a metre of water. The damage is being evaluated and may be very considerable. The organization of human resources is gradually being implemented. Sanctuary employees are mobilized. Many volunteers are spontaneously offering help. We will start cleaning once the water has started to receed. It is likely that the Sanctuary will need the solidarity of all of you.
The Lourdes Sanctuaries issued the following update at 10am on Wednesday 19th June: "Our main concern is to continue the welcome of pilgrims who are on site in the best way possible. After a general power outage a check is currently in progress. The situation should be restored in the coming hours. It will also restore telephone links.
Despite the absense of light, masses are still being celebrated in difficult conditions. Accessible places of worship are those located on the upper part of the Sanctuary: the Immaculate Conception (Upper) Basilica, the Crypt, the Mater Dolorosa and Crux Gloriosa Chapel. Even though the flood water of the River Gave has not yet retreated, the damage is considerable and even more severe than in 2012."
Please keep everyone there in your prayers..
Latest news (17:58, French time): Lourdes Sanctuary has released details of how to make a donation to help with repairing the flood damage: http://fr.lourdes-france.org/evenement/solidarite-inondations-2013
Latest news (16:09, French time): The Mayor of Lourdes has said that the town is "traumatised". These floods are far more severe than those in October. The flooding is likely to be nearly as severe, or more severe than that of 1937, the highest recorded at 5.3m. Whilst the October floods affected roughly ten hotels, this time the number is many times greater. The affected hotels may not be able to reopen this season. The financial cost will be huge. Seasonal workers are likely to be badly affected too.
Latest news (14:59 - UK time): How it looked yesterday, a video from the Lourdes Sanctuaries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=QHGqf1BFx7I#!
Latest update 12:54 (UK time): From news reports it seems that the highest flooding was reached just before midnight on Tuesday 18 June. Today, the staff of the Sanctuaries, many on duty since 4 am have, since daybreak, been clearing mud as the waters recede. The Accueil Notre Dame, where our Pilgrimage stays, flooded to over a metre. The Low Stations of the Cross, flooded to 1.3 metres. Much of the town is still without electricity. Two government ministers are going to visit given the seriousness of the damage (Min for the Interior and Min for Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy)
Latest update from Lourdes at 11.43 (France): The situation is extremely critical. Impossible to put a cost on clear up, but they fear the worst. In the Underground Basilica the flooding is so severe that the altar is completely submerged. St Joseph's Chapel is also submerged.
Latest Lourdes Sanctuary update at 10.20 on 19th June: Closed since yesterday morning, the Basilica of St. Pius X (the Underground Basilica) is also flooded with probably more than a metre of water. The damage is being evaluated and may be very considerable. The organization of human resources is gradually being implemented. Sanctuary employees are mobilized. Many volunteers are spontaneously offering help. We will start cleaning once the water has started to receed. It is likely that the Sanctuary will need the solidarity of all of you.
The Lourdes Sanctuaries issued the following update at 10am on Wednesday 19th June: "Our main concern is to continue the welcome of pilgrims who are on site in the best way possible. After a general power outage a check is currently in progress. The situation should be restored in the coming hours. It will also restore telephone links.
Despite the absense of light, masses are still being celebrated in difficult conditions. Accessible places of worship are those located on the upper part of the Sanctuary: the Immaculate Conception (Upper) Basilica, the Crypt, the Mater Dolorosa and Crux Gloriosa Chapel. Even though the flood water of the River Gave has not yet retreated, the damage is considerable and even more severe than in 2012."
One person killed in flash floods: http://www.euronews.com/2013/06/19/one-person-dies-in-flash-flooding-at-lourdes/ and: http://www.lepoint.fr/societe/hautes-pyrenees-les-crues-ont-tue-une-automobiliste-19-06-2013-1682465_23.php
Video footage of the floods: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3k_aKhOv0K4&feature=youtu.be
News from Tangney Tours regarding the floods: John Tangney is on his way to Lourdes as we speak to see the damage and help the local people in anyway possible. These floods are much worse than those in October. We will keep you posted. Please keep all the Lourdes people in your prayers and thoughts.
Hi the whole parish is praying and remembering the pilgrims, staff and volunteers
ReplyDeleteGod Bless
Fr. Edward
Horrible. Lots of prayers for everyone involved.
ReplyDeleteTHESE EVENTS IN LOURDES ARE TERRIBLE, IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT IT IS JUST 8 MONTHS SINCE THE LAST FLOOD.
ReplyDeleteOUR PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL THOSE WHO ARE INVOLVED BUT WITH THE FAMILY OF THE LADY WHO LOST HER LIFE.
I am so sorry for Lourdes but is God telling them something? Too many shops?
ReplyDeleteI think Mary is sad at the state of the world today. Where has love for Mary gone? I felt October floods were telling us something....did the world listen? It would seem we did not. How can Mary let this happen? She must have a reason.
DeleteKatie
May our Lord Jesus Christ and His mother Mary look after our favourite second home.
ReplyDeleteThank you to everyone who has updated this and Facebook. We are really greatful to you all.
ReplyDeleteI want to cry... this is so very sad. :(
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