Homeless individuals residing in the 20ft deep caves near Tuolumne River in California were removed from the area as a cleanup operation commenced, hauling away truckloads of accumulated rubbish.
Police have confirmed that a group of homeless individuals was discovered living in caves, some of which were furnished, situated 20 feet below the streets.
The Modesto Police Department reported that a group of individuals had been residing in the caverns along the Tuolumne River in California until a recent raid cleared them out. Following the eviction, authorities focused on a cleanup operation, collaborating with Operation 9-2-99 volunteers to remove 7,600 pounds of garbage from the area.
According to a statement from the Police Department, the specific area has been troubled by vagrancy and illegal camps, causing concerns as these camps were constructed by digging caves into the riverbanks.
Volunteers cleared two truckloads and a trailer full of garbage from the area, navigating through both furnished and unfurnished caverns. It was revealed that vagrants had been residing there for an extended period, and the cleanup uncovered various items, including drugs, weaponry, and makeshift belongings like bedding and mantelpieces.
Chris Guptill, the coordinator for Operation 2-9-99, expressed challenges in understanding how the residents managed to accumulate so much stuff in the caves, given the difficulty of transporting it uphill. He mentioned a lack of a known solution on how to address the issue. Meanwhile, a concerned resident highlighted the risk of cave collapse for those living inside.
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Tracy Rojas, a resident near the caves, expressed concern, stating, “If one of these were to collapse, it would be devastating. This whole thing would come down and go into the water.” The warning coincides with reported record levels of homelessness in California, as highlighted by FoxNews. Approximately 6,000 people in Los Angeles, only 300 miles from Modesto, were assigned to count homeless individuals in efforts to address the escalating crisis.
The city has faced significant challenges due to the surge in homelessness, with thousands resorting to living in cars, on streets, and elusive locations such as cave structures near the Tuolumne River. Temporary homes have been observed in communal areas, sidewalks, and parks across the state.
California residents are reportedly growing increasingly frustrated with the visible presence of homeless individuals, especially given the recorded 70% rise in homelessness in Los Angeles County alone. Official figures for 2023 indicate more than 75,500 people being homeless on any given night, with 46,200 estimated within the city of Los Angeles. Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the importance of the count as a tool to address the homelessness crisis, labeling the escalating figures as an “emergency.”
