A 30-metre-wide and one-metre-deep sinkhole appeared in Hiroshima, Japan, at around 8:50 am (7:50 am Singapore time) on 26 September. The sinkhole caused a section of the road to cave in and several buildings in the area to lean. Authorities believe an underground water pipe burst, leading to the incident. All residents within a 50-metre radius of the affected intersection were evacuated by 11:30 am, and the city fire department confirmed that all individuals trapped in buildings were rescued.
Background
The sinkhole was first reported when police received an emergency call about a bulge developing on a road in Hiroshima’s Nishi Ward. Cracks also formed in some buildings, according to NHK. The incident highlights the potential dangers of ageing infrastructure and the critical need for timely maintenance and monitoring.
Recent sinkholes in other countries
This sinkhole in Hiroshima is the latest in a series of similar incidents worldwide. Just a day earlier, a 5.4-metre-wide sinkhole opened near the entrance of the Bunga Raya Complex for VIP passengers at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). On 23 August, a 48-year-old Indian woman fell into a sinkhole in Kuala Lumpur, and the search for her body was called off after nine days due to safety concerns. On 29 August, a sinkhole appeared in the middle of a road in Seoul, causing a car to fall in and leaving two seniors seriously injured. Another sinkhole emerged in Douliu, Taiwan, on 31 August.
Impact on local residents
The sudden appearance of the sinkhole in Hiroshima has significantly impacted local residents. The evacuation of all residents within a 50-metre radius was a necessary precaution to ensure safety. “It was a terrifying experience,” said one local resident. “The ground just gave way, and we had to leave everything behind.” The city fire department’s swift action in rescuing those trapped in buildings prevented potential casualties.
Infrastructure concerns
The incident raises concerns about the state of infrastructure in urban areas. The suspected burst of an underground water pipe points to the need for regular inspections and maintenance. “This is a wake-up call for all cities,” said infrastructure expert Dr. Kenji Yamamoto. “We must invest in modernising our infrastructure to prevent such occurrences in the future.”
Future implications
The Hiroshima sinkhole serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in urban infrastructure. Local authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause and implement measures to prevent future incidents. The event also underscores the importance of emergency preparedness and the need for robust evacuation plans to protect residents in similar situations.
