Rescue efforts for a truck driver trapped in a sinkhole in Yashio, Saitama Prefecture north of Tokyo has paused on the February 1 as workers continue to face hurdles.

The incident occurred a week ago on January 28 when a 74-year-old truck driver fell into a sinkhole that quickly grew in size as rescue efforts began.

A slope for heavy machinery to enter the hole has been completed, but rescue efforts were paused due to the high level of water in the hole that put the safety of workers at risk.

According to the prefecture, sewage is backflowing at the bottom of the slope and the crew is working quickly to pump the water out of a nearby manhole. 

Saitama officials are urging residents to decrease bath and washing machine usage in 12 surrounding municipalities as businesses resume the work week and inevitably increase water usage, which may affect the fragile sinkhole.