Mole People – The Tunnels Beneath Las Vegas
Beneath Las Vegas lies a shadowy world, home to thousands of people living under the city of lights in approximately 320 kilometers of tunnels. Those who live there are called “mole people.”
The Tunnels Beneath Las Vegas
These tunnels were originally built to collect the city’s rainwater during storms, and today they form an extensive network of dark passages that some of their residents say go as deep as seven stories underground.
When it’s extremely hot, the tunnels can provide shelter for the homeless and protect them from the desert’s intense heat (often over 40°C/104°F). However, during heavy rainfall, these tunnels can become extremely dangerous, as they flood rapidly and can kill anyone caught inside. According to those living there, water can rise to 2.5 meters (over 8 feet) within 10 minutes! The currents are so strong during storms that they can drag a person into the depths at incredible speed, leaving no time to react.
Mole People
Those who live in these tunnels are called “mole people.” They prefer not to be seen, most of them being homeless, with many seeking refuge from authorities. Police stations have no presence here. Darkness pervades everywhere, hiding extreme filth and overwhelming odors. Most residents use drugs and do not wish to reintegrate into society.
Life Underground
Some people have built a real life underground, but it is not without dangers. Anyone can go down here, commit an illegal act, and potentially escape punishment. Who would know about a crime or what other acts of violence might occur here? Authorities have no control in these spaces.
Over time, many of the residents have organized themselves into real communities, with their own urban culture, a sense of solidarity, unique rules, and shared survival strategies.
Shelters are improvised from blankets, cardboard, recycled materials, and lots of plastic. Some areas are communal, serving as cooking and social spaces, while other areas are designated for rest and privacy.
Food and Water
Food and water are sourced from the casinos, restaurants, and hotels above them. Residents climb stairs to access hydrants located near certain spots, such as hotels or restaurants, and from there obtain water or food. Most of the time, they eat what others throw away—leftover hamburgers, slices of pizza, or a cup of cola left on the sidewalk. Hygiene is not highly prioritized, as there is no water for washing, though some areas in the tunnels are equipped with buckets for basic sanitation needs.
The oldest and perhaps strongest residents have often become leaders of their underground communities, enforcing various rules of coexistence that help maintain order and resolve conflicts within the tunnels.
Mole People
Stigma, Depression, and Drugs
Some residents have set up tents and created entire communal areas shared by multiple people, including pets. Unsurprisingly, drugs are prevalent in these spaces, and many spend their lives in addiction. Some are locals, while others come from different parts of the United States. Their lives are united only by stigma and depression.
Trauma and mental health struggles have brought most of them here. Many lack identification documents, making it impossible to secure employment or access medical services.
Most of those who end up here report that they were living paycheck to paycheck, without the financial stability that could have prevented homelessness. Contrary to common assumptions, many did not end up in the tunnels because of casinos or gambling addiction, but rather due to job loss and dependency on drugs or alcohol.
A Reality Not Boasted About
The “mole people” are a part of Las Vegas reality, and no one here brags about it. These residents arguably deserve more support from authorities to help them return to a better life.
