1.2 Million in Japan Told to Use Less Water to Help Sinkhole Rescue

A large sinkhole where a truck fell into, in Yashio, Saitama Prefecture, near Tokyo, Japan, 30 January 2025. EPA/JIJI PRESS
A large sinkhole where a truck fell into, in Yashio, Saitama Prefecture, near Tokyo, Japan, 30 January 2025. EPA/JIJI PRESS
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1.2 Million in Japan Told to Use Less Water to Help Sinkhole Rescue

A large sinkhole where a truck fell into, in Yashio, Saitama Prefecture, near Tokyo, Japan, 30 January 2025. EPA/JIJI PRESS
A large sinkhole where a truck fell into, in Yashio, Saitama Prefecture, near Tokyo, Japan, 30 January 2025. EPA/JIJI PRESS

Japanese authorities have asked 1.2 million people to cut back on showers and laundry to prevent leaking sewage aggravating an operation to rescue a truck driver in a sinkhole.

The hole suddenly opened up in Yashio during the morning rush hour on Tuesday, swallowing the lorry.

Rescue efforts have been severely hampered by unstable ground around the hole and a second, larger hole appearing. Water has also been seeping in, AFP reported.

"Putting our first priority on saving the person's life, we are asking residents to refrain from non-essential use of water such as taking a bath or doing laundry," a Saitama prefecture official told AFP on Thursday.

"Using toilets is difficult to refrain from, but we are asking to use less water as much as possible."

In a statement sent to the roughly 1.2 million residents, the prefecture asked them to "please continue to refrain from sewage as polluted water may overflow".

"As the rescue work is facing difficulties, it will likely take time to restore" the sewage system, it said.

Some sewage water in the area was collected and released to a nearby river Wednesday.

No contact has been had with the 74-year-old truck driver since around 1:00 pm (0400 GMT) Tuesday and rescuers have been working around the clock to reach him.

The initial sinkhole, estimated at about 10 meters wide and six meters deep (33 feet by 20 feet), has since merged with another.

"At around 2:30 am (on Thursday), the two holes became one, and with risk of another landslide or collapse of roads, we've been unable to use heavy machinery," a fire department official told AFP.



Riyadh’s Diplomacy Takes Center Stage at Saudi Media Forum

Participants are seen at a panel discussion at the Saudi Media Forum. (Saudi Media Forum)
Participants are seen at a panel discussion at the Saudi Media Forum. (Saudi Media Forum)
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Riyadh’s Diplomacy Takes Center Stage at Saudi Media Forum

Participants are seen at a panel discussion at the Saudi Media Forum. (Saudi Media Forum)
Participants are seen at a panel discussion at the Saudi Media Forum. (Saudi Media Forum)

The second day of the Saudi Media Forum in its fourth edition, held in Riyadh, featured discussions and workshops with the participation of local and international media professionals, academics, experts, and specialists. The sessions explored the role of media in shaping perceptions, cultural identities and narrating Saudi Arabia’s transformation toward its future.

One of the key discussions focused on Saudi diplomacy and its role in fostering strategic partnerships that promote peaceful solutions. Participants emphasized that media plays a crucial role in conveying the true image of Saudi Arabia’s global efforts.

Political analysts noted that trust in Saudi Arabia and the credibility of its political positions played a key role in preventing the possibility of a third world war. They highlighted the high-level meeting in Diriyah on Tuesday, where senior American and Russian delegations, under the patronage of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, started to mend the diplomatic rift between Washington and Moscow.

Jameel Al-Theyabi, editor-in-chief of Saudi Arabia’s Okaz newspaper, pointed out that Saudi soft power was evident in the historic meeting between the US and Russian delegations in the heart of the Saudi capital.

Western media, which once portrayed Saudi Arabia negatively, has now shifted its focus, highlighting the Kingdom’s remarkable potential and capabilities, he remarked.

Saudi Arabia is pursuing an interactive, dynamic and attractive foreign policy that seeks to address global crises and challenges, he went on to say. He linked this approach to Vision 2030, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed, which aims to bring transformational change to the region.

Political writer and analyst Jasser Al-Jasser stated that Saudi Arabia’s political foundations are built on clarity and credibility. He asserted that the changes led by the Crown Prince have transformed the Kingdom’s approach across all sectors, boosting global trust, recognition and admiration for Saudi Arabia and its leadership.

Al-Jasser highlighted the far-reaching impact of Saudi Arabia’s political and economic transformation, noting that its effects are clearly reflected in global indicators. He described this transformation as a long-term journey, emphasizing that one of the keys to Saudi Arabia’s success is its team of ministers and officials, who have played a significant role in shaping both policies and leadership under Vision 2030.

He also acknowledged the Kingdom’s regional and international responsibilities, underlining the humanitarian dimension of its efforts. He praised the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center for advancing humanitarian work through its extensive technical and logistical capabilities.