A giant sinkhole in a five-lane urban boulevard, eroding soil exposing underground steel columns supporting commercial buildings in Fukuoka, Southwest Japan

Japan's giant sinkhole is sinking again

CNN Asia Nov - 28 - 2016 , 13:27

A giant sinkhole that was hastily repaired in Japan earlier this month is showing signs of movement. Traffic was stopped at the busy intersection in Japanese city of Fukuoka on the weekend after the road was seen to sink some seven centimeters (2.7 inches).

Earlier this month, a 30 meter (98 feet) wide, 15 meter (50 feet) deep hole suddenly opened, swallowing five lanes of road and flooding with water.

It was repaired in a matter of days in what was seen as a testament to Japanese engineering and efficiency.

Some doubt was raised over those plaudits Saturday however, when traffic had to be stopped around the hole as a section of road began sinking again. The road has since been re-opened.

On Facebook, Fukuoka mayor Soichiro Takashima apologized for not warning residents the ground could sink again.

City officials told CNN some movement had been expected as the sand and cement used to fill the hole settle.

Credit: CNN