The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism visited the unresolved sinkhole in Yashio, Saitama Prefecture north of Tokyo on February 15.

The sinkhole appeared in late January when a truck and its currently missing driver fell into the hole that formed in the middle of the road.

Officials believe corrosion caused damage to the sewer pipes that led to the massive hole.

In a meeting following the site visit, the Saitama governor and the Yashio mayor discussed the need for sewer pipe inspection and ongoing support.

S/ Ono Motohiro, Saitama governor/ We earnestly request additional support necessary to conduct sweeping measures.

S/ Nakano Hiromasa, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism/ We would like to proceed and consider necessary support and prevention measures so that rescue, reconstruction, and restoration will move forward, and residents can return to a peaceful lifestyle.

The ministry will establish a committee on February 21 to discuss inspection methods and inspection frequency.