L.A. business owners slam city after entire block of stores flooded: ‘No one was doing anything’

February 18, 2026 - 01:32

A torrential downpour on Monday unleashed floodwaters into a block of storefronts in Los Angeles's Fairfax District, causing significant damage and igniting fury among local business owners who call it a predictable, recurring crisis. As water rushed into shops, employees and owners were left scrambling with buckets and mops in a desperate attempt to save their inventory and premises.

Frustrated merchants report that the city's infrastructure is woefully inadequate for such storms, with clogged drains and insufficient flood control measures turning their street into a river. They describe scenes of chaos during the storm, feeling abandoned by municipal services. "No one was doing anything," one owner stated, capturing the sentiment of many who believe repeated requests for preventative action have gone unanswered.

The flooding has resulted in ruined stock, damaged flooring and fixtures, and costly clean-up operations, dealing a severe financial blow to already struggling small businesses. With more rain in the forecast, owners are left anxious and demanding immediate solutions, arguing that the city's failure to address known drainage problems is directly responsible for their losses. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about infrastructure resilience in Los Angeles neighborhoods.