At around 8.50am on Thursday (26 Sept), Japanese police responded to an emergency call about a sinkhole that had emerged in Nishi Ward, Hiroshima.
The sinkhole, which formed at an intersection, caused several buildings to lean precariously and a section of the road to cave in.
Source: @ChugokuShimbun on X
Authorities suspect that the sinkhole was triggered by a burst underground water pipe.
As the road began to uplift, water seeped to the surface, resulting in parts of the asphalt peeling away.
Source: @NewsDigestWeb on X
Additionally, reports indicate that tap water in the surrounding area has turned murky and yellow.
Cracks have formed in nearby buildings, with a few leaning as a direct result of the sinkhole.
As the buildings began to lean, their front doors became jammed, trapping residents inside.
Fortunately, the local fire department swiftly rescued all those who were trapped.
Source: @ChugokuShimbun on X
Authorities are now urging locals to evacuate the area due to concerns that the buildings may eventually collapse.
Sinkholes often occur when underground water erodes the rock and soil beneath the surface.
Heavy rainfall has contributed to an increase in sinkhole incidents recently, including a significant one in South Korea earlier this week, where a sinkhole measuring 8m deep swallowed two trucks.
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Featured image adapted from @ChugokuShimbun on X.
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The police are investigating the incident.