A massive sinkhole near Tokyo has left one man stuck and forced the evacuation of five nearby households, as authorities struggle to rescue him safely. The 74-year-old truck driver fell into a 40-meter-wide hole on Tuesday, which has since grown in size. Corroded sewerage pipes are suspected to be the cause.
Residents within a 50-meter radius have been advised to evacuate, while others living nearby have been asked to reduce their water usage to prevent further damage. A rescue team had built a 30-meter slope to reach the truck driver on Saturday, but the mission was suspended on Sunday due to concerns over sewage water and heavy rain.
The sinkhole is approximately 15 meters deep and has caused erosion of its walls, making it difficult for rescuers to stay inside. The area affects around 1.2 million people, who have been asked to cut back on showers and laundry to minimize disruption.
Source: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/02/02/japan/residents-near-sinkhole-urged-to-evacuate