A broken underground water pipe in Kawaguchi, Saitama, caused water to spurt approximately 10 meters high for about two and a half hours with no reported injuries or damage.
On February 12, around 11 AM, a major incident occurred when an underground water pipe in Kawaguchi, Saitama, broke, leading to an impressive water spout that reached heights of around 10 meters for nearly two and a half hours. Authorities from the Saitama Prefecture's Water Supply Management Division have confirmed that there were no injuries or disruptions to the water supply as a result of the incident.
The outbreak of water was linked to a maintenance operation on the water pipe's air valve conducted by the prefectural authorities. The stoppage valve, responsible for containing water flow, malfunctioned for unspecified reasons during the repairs, resulting in the dramatic geyser effect observed in the city streets. Efforts to manage and stop the water flow began promptly, and by approximately 1:25 PM, the fountain of water was successfully halted.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the infrastructure in urban areas, especially with aging water supply systems. The local government may need to consider further investment in maintenance and upgrades to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Moreover, the swift response from local officials prevented any potential hazards or major inconveniences that could have arisen from the situation, reiterating the importance of regular and proactive infrastructure checks.
