Japan urges water conservation as rescue continues for driver trapped in sinkhole

ISTANBUL

Efforts to rescue a 74-year-old man trapped in a sinkhole near Tokyo have entered a second week, with nearly 1.2 million residents urged to cut back on water use, The Japan News reported Tuesday.

Rescue teams are constructing a second slope to reach the truck driver, who remains trapped at a highway junction near the capital.

Authorities completed construction of the first slope on Saturday to allow heavy machinery to be lowered into the hole, but rising sewage water — exacerbated by rainfall — forced them to halt the operation on Sunday.

The second slope is expected to bring rescuers closer to the trapped man, local officials said. However, high water levels in the sinkhole continue to hinder progress.

Authorities have urged around 1.2 million residents across 12 cities and towns to reduce water use — including showers and laundry — to ease pressure on the sewer system.

Local officials suspect the collapse is linked to deteriorating sewer pipes.

Authorities say reducing wastewater flow will help lower water levels, allowing inspections of the damaged pipes.