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L.A. Declares Hazmat Zone and Seals Manholes After Reports of People Living in Storm Drains

The emergency cleanup shows a hidden tier of the homelessness crisis that endangers people living underground.

Overview

  • City crews, which converged Tuesday after FOX 11’s reporting and volunteer videos, checked a South L.A. drain near 88th Street and Grand Avenue where a woman had been sheltering.
  • Workers coaxed the woman out of the drain and then blocked the manhole, though it is unclear if she was linked to longer‑term services.
  • By Wednesday, officials labeled the site a hazardous‑materials hot zone and sanitation teams in protective suits removed human waste and piles of debris.
  • The Los Angeles Times reported workers moved to weld a manhole shut Wednesday after a man emerged with a suitcase, then finished sealing the cover.
  • Neighbors describe streets lined with RVs, tents and improvised power and water hookups, and the mayor’s office called the situation tragic while noting a 17% drop in street homelessness.