In the city of Yashio, located in Japan's Saitama region near Tokyo, a dramatic rescue operation is underway after a 74-year-old truck driver was engulfed by a massive sinkhole on Tuesday. The sinkhole, which initially measured about 5 meters in diameter, has now expanded to a staggering 40 meters across—nearly the length of an Olympic swimming pool. Efforts to reach the trapped driver have been met with increasing challenges as the cavity continues to grow, exacerbated by a larger section opening during the rescue operation on Tuesday night.
The situation has become increasingly perilous due to the discovery of a significant amount of sewage water beneath the sinkhole's slope. The combination of rain and sewage water has complicated rescue efforts, leading to the suspension of the operation on Sunday. Authorities have requested that residents within a 50-meter radius evacuate the area as a precautionary measure. Five households near the sinkhole have already been advised to seek shelter elsewhere.
In an effort to manage the situation and reduce further complications, around 1.2 million residents living nearby have been urged to limit their use of water for showers and laundry. This measure aims to prevent additional leakage of sewage water, which could further hinder the ongoing rescue mission.
To facilitate the rescue operation, crews constructed a 30-meter slope on Saturday to deploy heavy equipment necessary to reach the trapped truck driver. However, the expansion of the sinkhole and the presence of sewage water have forced a temporary halt in operations. Despite these setbacks, rescuers remain committed to their mission, exploring alternative strategies to safely access the area and rescue the driver.
The vast sinkhole has ignited concerns among local residents, prompting evacuation requests and calls for water conservation. As the situation unfolds, authorities and rescue teams continue to navigate the complexities posed by the unstable ground and adverse weather conditions.
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