Local
Las Vegas outreach group searches flood tunnels after reports of two missing people
Shine A Light Foundation says it received reports that two people who returned to tunnels after Saturday’s flooding had not been found. Police have not linked a person found dead near Las Vegas Boulevard and Flamingo Road to the storm.
LAS VEGAS — A Las Vegas outreach group is checking flood channels after receiving a report that two people who went back into tunnels following Saturday’s heavy rain had not been found, according to Rob Banghart of the Shine A Light Foundation.
The rainfall, associated with post-tropical cyclone Rachel, flooded roads near the Strip and raised water levels in flood channels across the valley. Banghart said the foundation sent workers to tunnels where it believed encampments had been most affected.
The report of two missing people came as advocates raised concerns about a person found dead near Las Vegas Boulevard and Flamingo Road. Metro Police had not confirmed the cause of death, and Banghart said he feared flooding could be connected. No connection has been established publicly.
Banghart said some people living in the tunnels moved to higher ground or sought shelter beneath bridges, while others chose to remain underground. He estimated that hundreds of people live in the valley’s more than 600 miles of tunnels, a figure attributed to him.
Shine A Light works with Metro Police on storm preparations and evacuations, Banghart said. He called for improvements to the system for protecting people who remain in the channels, where sudden water surges can pose a serious danger.
The foundation is accepting donations of bottled water, snacks and socks for outreach. Information about its work is available at shinealightlv.com.