Video inside tunnels where 100 families live leaves viewers completely 'heartbroken'

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Video inside tunnels where 100 families live leaves viewers completely 'heartbroken'

It makes you realize just how lucky you are

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How many of us are tucked up in a warm bed right now, with a roof over our heads, and possibly reading this very article on the latest iPhone?

Not everyone is as lucky, and while some YouTubers come under fire for extravagant videos where they try to eat the world's most expensive sandwich, blow up supercars just for clout, or travel on the world's most luxurious train just because they can, others can open our eyes to the plight of people around the world.

Known for his YouTube channel, Drew Binsky is back for another globetrotting adventure.

You might remember Binsky as that guy who has visited every country in the world and interviewed the man who lived in a London skip, although that's far from his most out-there video.

Many were shocked by the conditions of these underground tunnels (YouTube / Drew Binsky)
Many were shocked by the conditions of these underground tunnels (YouTube / Drew Binsky)

Binsky is no stranger to dark tourism, previously managing to get inside 'America's most satanic cult'.

Now, he's gone under Manila's busiest highway and into a tunnel where up to 100 families live in poverty.

Saying it's hot, dark, and dangerous down there because of the constant threat of flooding, as well as electrocution and more, some people have no choice but to move underground in the capital of the Philippines.

As the population continues to explode, more and more people are being pushed into the tunnels in San Andres Bukid. The biggest problem is that they were never designed for human habitation, and instead, were built for flood control.

When it rains heavily, the water level can reach the top of the tunnels, and those living there are forced to evacuate.

Speaking to a man called Edwin, the former tunnel community resident explained how it's 100 families (not just 100 people) living in these cramped conditions. Edwin suggests the number could actually be much higher because another identical community lives on the other side of the river.

A woman called Ella has lived in the tunnel since she was born, and when asked what it's like, she admitted that it's okay, but the constant storms make it tough. More than this, they actually have to pay for electricity, although Binsky notes that many islands in the Philippines don't have electricity at all. Ella's husband doesn't have a job, meaning he has to scavenge for things to sell.

There's one advantage, because the highway is so thick, you can't hear the vehicles rumbling overhead in many parts of the tunnel.

Binsky admits that in all the years he's been coming to Manila, he'd never thought he'd been driving over this hidden world.

Rent ranges from anywhere between $8 and $16 a month, while a lack of restrictions is another reason people might decide to stick around down here for longer than others.

Coming across a woman called Precious, she reiterated that the threat of flooding is a major drawback, with constant fears that you'll have to evacuate.

This involves the Department of Social Welfare and Development arriving and telling residents they need to move somewhere else.

At one point, Binsky says: "We are going deeper and deeper in the tunnel, and the smell is unbearable. There's trash everywhere. It's like sewage water. It's getting narrower and tighter and super humid and sticky.

"Everywhere you look, there's just another family that's just living in here. It's like, one of the most absurd living situations I've ever seen in my life."

He at least noticed the resilience among those inside, saying they always look for the positives.

Binsky wasn't alone in his thoughts, with someone in the comments replying: "I think every human needs to watch these videos to stay in touch with the reality of the world we live in. Let us stay kind, humble, and above all else grateful."

Another added: "We complain so much about what we have and don’t have…these videos are very humbling. They have so little yet live happy and in community…impressive."

A third concluded: "As a Filipina living abroad, this breaks my heart. Many of us didn't leave because we stopped loving the Philippines. We left because we wanted a fair chance at a better future for our families."

Notably, most of the replies wanted to know how they could donate to these largely forgotten souls living a life that most of us (thankfully) can only imagine.

Featured Image Credit: YouTube / Drew Binsky