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Energy Bills Set to Increase by 5% in Great Britain from April

Energy Bills Set to Increase by 5% in Great Britain from April

Households Face Higher Costs as Gas Storage Levels Drop Across Europe

Millions of households in Great Britain are expected to see an increase of £85 in their annual energy bills from April due to declining gas storage levels across Europe, analysts have warned.

Under the latest forecast, average gas and electricity costs for households in England, Scotland, and Wales are projected to rise by nearly 5% to £1,823 per year under Ofgem’s price cap. This prediction from Cornwall Insight is higher than the previous estimate of £1,785, following colder weather and reduced renewable energy output impacting gas reserves.

Ofgem, the energy regulator for Great Britain, is set to confirm the new price cap on 25 February for the period beginning 1 April. In January, the cap was raised by 1.2% to an equivalent of £1,738 per year.

The anticipated increase marks the third consecutive quarterly rise in household energy costs, posing a challenge to the government’s pledge to reduce energy bills by “up to £300 by 2030”. Households using more than the average amount of energy could face even higher costs, as the price cap limits the rate charged per energy unit rather than the total bill.

Approximately 9 million households on variable tariffs linked to the price cap will experience an immediate impact from April, while those on fixed tariffs will see changes later.

In response to the forecast, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband urged Ofgem to take quicker action to protect consumers from the volatility of global gas markets. He called on Ofgem’s chief executive, Jonathan Brearley, to implement faster measures, which may include accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources.

Doug Parr, policy director at Greenpeace UK, emphasised the need for long-term solutions, stating: “Urgent support is required now, but sustainable solutions like renewable heat pumps and better home insulation are essential for achieving cheaper energy and stabilising prices.”

Pope Francis’s Weekend Schedule Cancelled Due to Health Issues

Pope Francis’s Weekend Schedule Cancelled Due to Health Issues

88-Year-Old Pontiff Remains in Hospital with Respiratory Infection, Spends Fourth Night Resting Comfortably

Pope Francis spent a restful fourth night in hospital before having breakfast and reading newspapers on Tuesday, according to a Vatican spokesperson.

The 88-year-old pontiff has been battling a respiratory infection for over a week. “He woke up, had breakfast, and spent some time reading newspapers as part of his usual routine,” said Matteo Bruni.

Shortly before this update, the Vatican announced the cancellation of Pope Francis’s engagements for the upcoming weekend due to his ongoing health issues.

The Pope was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital last Friday. “Given the Holy Father’s health condition, the Jubilee audience scheduled for Saturday, 22 February, is cancelled,” read a Vatican statement. It also mentioned that another high-ranking church official would lead Sunday’s mass in his place.

On Monday, the Vatican revealed that Pope Francis is suffering from a “polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract,” leading to adjustments in his medical treatment. Polymicrobial infections are caused by multiple micro-organisms, including bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

The statement also noted, “All tests conducted so far indicate a complex medical condition that requires continued hospital care.”

Bruni informed that another medical update would be provided on Tuesday evening.

Common Charging Habits That Are Damaging Your Phone Battery – And How to Fix Them

Common Charging Habits That Are Damaging Your Phone Battery – And How to Fix Them

Discover the Mistakes That Shorten Your Phone’s Battery Life and Learn Practical Tips to Extend It

Charging your phone is a routine part of modern life. Most people plug in their devices before bed, letting them charge to 100% overnight, ready for another day of usage. It’s a habit that many don’t think twice about – until their battery life starts to noticeably decline.

Over time, all phone batteries begin to lose their capacity, leading to shorter periods between charges. What once lasted a full workday might now barely make it past lunchtime. This decline is due to the lithium-ion batteries used in most mobile devices, which gradually degrade with every charge cycle.

Lithium-ion batteries are used in many devices, including laptops, tablets, electric vehicles, and even e-cigarettes, because they pack a lot of energy into a small space and charge quickly. However, they are not immune to wear and tear. According to Sandeep Unnikrishnan, chief technology officer at battery tech firm Lionvolt, these batteries typically last about 500 charge cycles or two to three years before their performance significantly drops.

The way you charge your phone has a big impact on its battery health. One common mistake is keeping the battery level at 100% for long periods, which puts extra strain on the battery and accelerates its decline. Instead, Unnikrishnan suggests maintaining the battery between 20% and 80% for optimal cycle life.

Charging your phone overnight may be convenient, but it can also harm the battery if it stays at 100% for hours. A better approach is to charge it during the day when you can unplug it once it reaches around 80%. This habit reduces stress on the battery and helps it last longer.

Temperature also plays a crucial role in battery health. Extreme heat or cold can degrade the battery’s components, reducing its efficiency and lifespan. Using your phone while it’s charging generates extra heat, which speeds up chemical degradation inside the battery. To avoid this, it’s best to let your phone charge undisturbed.

Another common mistake is using cheap, non-standard chargers. These can deliver inconsistent current or voltage, potentially overheating your device and damaging the battery. It’s always safer to use the charger recommended by your phone’s manufacturer, even if it’s more expensive.

Fast chargers are another popular choice, as they reduce waiting time. However, frequent use of high-speed charging can shorten your battery’s lifespan due to the heat generated during the rapid power transfer. For long-term battery health, it’s better to use standard chargers whenever possible.

Newer smartphones come with built-in battery management systems designed to optimise charging patterns. For example, iPhones offer an “Optimised Battery Charging” feature that delays charging beyond 80% until just before you typically wake up. Similarly, many Android devices have an “Adaptive Charging” mode that manages power more efficiently.

In 2023, the European Union passed a regulation requiring all electronic devices sold in the EU to have easily replaceable batteries by 2027. This move is aimed at reducing electronic waste and prolonging device lifespans, which is great news for consumers who want to keep their phones for longer.

Until then, adopting better charging habits is the best way to extend your phone’s battery life. Keeping the charge level between 20% and 80%, avoiding overnight charging, using the recommended charger, and protecting your phone from extreme temperatures can all help.

Ultimately, maintaining good charging practices can significantly extend your device’s lifespan, saving you the cost and hassle of frequent upgrades. And while cutting down on screen time could also help, it’s safe to say that’s easier said than done!

Europe and UK Strive for Relevance in Ukraine’s Future Amid Trump-Putin Talks

Europe and UK Strive for Relevance in Ukraine’s Future Amid Trump-Putin Talks

Paris Security Summit Seeks Unified European Response as US Shapes Ukraine’s Fate

European leaders are urgently working to assert their influence on Ukraine’s future, gathering at a hastily organised security summit in Paris. This comes after the United States excluded them from pivotal discussions with Russia. US President Donald Trump revealed plans for a potential meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising concerns in Europe about being sidelined on a critical security issue.

Faced with the challenge of proving their relevance, European nations are attempting to set aside political differences and economic worries to present a united front. They aim to negotiate collective security measures and possibly commit troops to Ukraine, ensuring they have a voice at the diplomatic table.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer affirmed on Monday that the UK stands “ready and willing to put troops on the ground”. Similarly, Germany’s CDU party, expected to lead after upcoming elections, indicated its willingness to participate in a coordinated international military effort.

Uncertainty surrounds the Trump administration’s stance on Ukraine, creating a narrow window for Europe to assert its strategic importance. European leaders hope the Paris summit will convince Trump of their indispensable role by addressing two key US demands: increased European defence spending and deploying troops to Ukraine following a ceasefire.

Europe insists on Ukraine’s inclusion in any ceasefire discussions, maintaining the position that “no decisions about Ukraine can be made without Ukraine’s involvement”. Beyond Ukraine, Europe faces the uncomfortable reality that the Trump administration prioritises neither its alliance with European nations nor their security.

Since World War Two, Europe has depended on US military support. But with Trump’s unpredictable foreign policy and Putin’s longstanding opposition to NATO’s eastern expansion, European countries, especially the Baltic states and Poland, feel increasingly vulnerable.

The Paris summit includes military heavyweights: the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Denmark (representing Nordic and Baltic nations), the EU Council president, and NATO’s secretary general. Broader meetings with other European countries are planned for a later date.

However, reaching a consensus on increased defence spending will be challenging. For instance, while Poland aims to allocate 4.47% of its GDP to defence by 2025, the UK struggles to meet its 2.5% target. Nevertheless, leaders are expected to pledge better coordination within NATO and take on a significant share of Ukraine’s post-war rebuilding efforts.

A central topic in Paris is the potential deployment of European troops to Ukraine as a “reassurance force” following a ceasefire. Unlike peacekeeping missions, these forces would be stationed behind any ceasefire line to provide strategic support. This presence would serve three purposes: assuring Ukrainians they are not alone, demonstrating Europe’s commitment to its security to the US, and signalling to Russia that Europe stands ready to respond to any ceasefire violations.

Yet, this proposal faces domestic resistance in Europe. In Italy, for example, 50% of the population opposes sending additional weapons to Ukraine, let alone troops. Key questions remain unanswered, including the number of soldiers required, their command structure, and their rules of engagement in case of Russian aggression.

Europe seeks a security guarantee from the US before committing troops but may not receive one. With national leaders like Sir Keir Starmer balancing international obligations and domestic challenges, including budget constraints and military readiness, the path forward is uncertain.

Former British Army Chief Lord Richard Dannatt noted that the UK’s military is too depleted to contribute significantly to a potential 100,000-strong force needed in Ukraine, despite its reputation for excellence.

While the Paris summit is unlikely to yield detailed agreements, it sets the stage for Europe to assert its strategic role. Plans are in place to send an envoy to Washington to reinforce Europe’s position. Sir Keir Starmer’s upcoming visit to Washington could be pivotal in strengthening transatlantic ties.

The summit also provides an opportunity to heal post-Brexit tensions between the UK and the EU. Mark Leonard, head of the European Council on Foreign Relations, highlighted that Starmer could demonstrate the UK’s commitment to European security, which could positively influence future trade and law enforcement negotiations.

Host nation France, under President Emmanuel Macron, is optimistic about Europe’s strategic autonomy. Macron advocates for reduced dependence on external powers for supply chains, technology, and especially defence. His proposal for European troops in Ukraine, first suggested a year ago, is gaining traction.

With the Trump administration questioning Europe’s strategic importance, the outcome of this summit could redefine the continent’s security architecture. If Trump is not watching, Vladimir Putin certainly is.

Trump’s Peace Plan: A Double-Edged Sword for Ukraine

Trump’s Peace Plan: A Double-Edged Sword for Ukraine

Ukrainians Doubt the Sustainability of a Ceasefire Amid Uncertain Futures

In the southern Ukrainian village of Malokaterynivka, Oleksandr Bezhan stands next to a vacant, icy field where he once worked as a fisherman. “If I wake up in the morning, that’s already pretty good,” he says, his voice marked by the uncertainty of living near the front line in the Zaporizhzhia region. The war has taken a toll on everyone here, leaving many, like Oleksandr, questioning what comes next for their land.

Malokaterynivka, just 15 km from Russian-held territory, hopes that US President Donald Trump’s potential intervention could shift the balance, placing it in a safer position. When I visited the region in 2023, Ukrainians were still holding on to the hope of victory. The counter-offensive launched by Ukraine had sparked optimism after the success of liberating Kyiv and recapturing territory. Yet 18 months later, artillery echoes across the landscape, highlighting the stagnation of Ukraine’s offensive and Russia’s continued dominance in the region.

The destruction of the Kakhovka dam has further altered the terrain, turning what was once a riverbed into a barren wasteland, reflecting the broader feeling of suspended fate. “If the front line becomes a border, it would be scary,” Oleksandr admits. The once-flowing river now stands as a stark division, separating Ukraine from Russian forces. The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, under Russian control since 2022, glints in the distance, its presence serving as a reminder of the stakes.

Although both Ukraine and the US desire peace, the path to achieving it is fraught with differing visions. While Washington’s peace plans might result in Russia holding onto Ukrainian territory, Kyiv insists on the need for security guarantees to prevent further advances across its land. Trump’s stance, particularly his opposition to Ukraine’s NATO ambitions, has left many Ukrainians feeling isolated and betrayed by their most powerful ally.

The emotional weight of this situation is evident in the village. Natalya, who recently buried her husband, a local soldier, at a rushed funeral, expresses a grim sense of resignation. “I don’t have hope for a ceasefire,” she says, though she hopes to be proven wrong. Artillery fire punctuates the ceremony, forcing mourners to duck for cover as gun salutes are fired.

Despite the hardships, there is still hope among villagers like Lyudmyla Volyk, who has lived in Malokaterynivka her entire life. She fondly recalls when trains ran to Crimea, now under Russian occupation for over a decade. “We hope that one day it will be restored,” she says, optimistically looking toward the future. However, after 11 years of occupation, the return of Crimea seems increasingly distant.

Ukrainians, particularly in rural areas like Malokaterynivka, are caught between despair and cautious hope. As long as the war continues, the idea of peace is a beacon of possibility. However, for many, especially those who have lost loved ones and livelihoods, any proposed peace deal must offer more than just an end to fighting—it must ensure lasting security and the protection of their homeland.

President Zelensky remains firm, stating that any peace agreement must include Ukraine’s interests. Yet, the lack of clarity about what a ceasefire would look like—who would enforce it, and how it would hold—leaves many Ukrainians sceptical about the promises of peace.

If Trump does succeed in ending the war, the relief would be felt, but Ukrainians are aware that peace, if it comes, will bring its own set of unresolved challenges—especially as Russia, too, eyes the potential benefits of a new deal. The question remains: would peace truly be peace, or merely another uncertain pause in a long and bloody conflict?

Victim of Abusive Neo-Nazi Agent Demands Public Apology from MI5

Victim of Abusive Neo-Nazi Agent Demands Public Apology from MI5

Beth, Target of Violent Attacks by Paid Informant, Calls for Accountability and Transparency

Beth, the woman at the centre of a scandal in which MI5 admitted providing false evidence to three courts, is calling for the agency to issue a formal public apology.

Her attacker, a former partner and neo-Nazi misogynist, used his position as an MI5 informant to coerce and control her. Despite MI5’s recent “unreserved apology” for its mishandling of the case, Beth insists she deserves an apology directly from them.

Beth explains that she only feels visible to MI5 because she has pursued a legal battle against the agency, shining a light on its actions. “If I were to go away quietly, they would never think about me again,” she told the BBC.

She also insists that X, a foreign national and former MI5 agent, be held personally accountable for the crimes he committed against her. Beth is demanding a full investigation into why MI5 allowed him to escape justice and begin a new life abroad.

The legal case she has filed claims that MI5 violated her human rights by failing to protect her from agent X. She is now seeking resolution through the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT), an independent court. Unfortunately, many aspects of the case are being heard in secret, with MI5 citing the principle of “neither confirm nor deny” (NCND) in protecting agent identities.

Beth finds this secrecy deeply offensive, believing it allows MI5 to breach her rights with impunity. She had earlier revealed to the BBC that a senior MI5 officer had admitted to her that X was indeed an agent. This disclosure contradicts MI5’s earlier statements in court, in which the agency denied ever confirming X’s involvement.

MI5’s false evidence includes a 2022 legal battle where the government attempted to prevent the BBC from publishing details about agent X’s actions, successfully blocking the identification of the agent.

Beth believes the agency’s behaviour exposes a pattern of disregard for the rights of individuals, reinforcing her suspicions about MI5’s ruthlessness. “Everything X told me about them has turned out to be true,” she remarked, reflecting on her traumatic experience.

The case continues to unfold as MI5 investigates the false evidence given in court, with the possibility of disciplinary action. The Home Secretary has also initiated an independent review led by Sir Jonathan Jones KC into how the agency handled the case.

For Beth, this ongoing legal struggle has been re-traumatising, but she believes it is the only way to seek justice. “I’ve lost years of my life to X’s abuse,” she explained. “This process is hard, but it may be the only way to get some form of reasonable justice.”

Beth stresses that her case is about more than just her own suffering. She wants it to highlight the wider issue of violence against women, something that, as she says, remains far too prevalent in society.

Beth feels fortunate that her voice has been heard, but she remains deeply concerned about others who don’t have the opportunity to speak out. “I am one of the lucky ones because I’ve been able to speak about it and I’ve been listened to,” she said. “So many women don’t get that chance.”

For further information or to share a similar story with the BBC Investigations team, please contact:

Email: security.investigations@bbc.co.uk
Signal: +447811921399
SecureDrop: Learn more about how to stay secure when sharing information.

Elizabeth Line Drivers to Stage Four-Day Strike Over Pay Dispute

Elizabeth Line Drivers to Stage Four-Day Strike Over Pay Dispute

Aslef Union Announces Industrial Action on Key Dates in Protest Against Operator MTR

Train drivers on the Elizabeth line are set to strike for four days over the next few weeks in a dispute concerning their pay. Members of the Aslef union, which represents nearly all drivers on the line, have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action.

The planned strikes will take place on Thursday 27 February, Saturday 1 March, Saturday 8 March, and Monday 10 March. The union has laid the blame for the dispute squarely at the feet of the operator, MTR.

Mick Whelan, general secretary of Aslef, criticised MTR for not acknowledging the role and value of the train drivers in the success of the Elizabeth line. He said, “Our members have been crucial to the Elizabeth line’s success, and the company should recognise their contribution. Unfortunately, MTR has failed to do so.”

MTR is set to be replaced by Tokyo Metro as the operator of the Elizabeth line in May. The line, which opened in May 2022, serves as a major cross-London transit route, carrying around 800,000 passengers daily.

Despite the strike, other transport services in London, including the Tube, Overground, and national rail services, will continue to operate as usual.

Merkur Slots Fined for Failing to Protect Vulnerable Cancer Patient

Merkur Slots Fined for Failing to Protect Vulnerable Cancer Patient

Gambling Commission Issues £95,450 Penalty After Staff Exploited Cancer Patient at Adult Gaming Centre

The Gambling Commission has imposed a fine of £95,450 on Merkur Slots for failing to uphold social responsibility standards, following an incident involving a cancer patient at one of its “adult gaming centres” (AGCs). The case highlights serious lapses in customer safety practices at the high street operator, leading to substantial losses for a vulnerable individual.

Wendy Hughes, aged 64 at the time, was suffering from lung cancer when she lost nearly £2,000 in Merkur Slots’ Stockport branch during two separate visits lasting 16 hours in November 2023. Despite the company’s awareness of her escalating losses, staff continued to allow Hughes to withdraw more money from the cash machine to continue gambling.

Her daughter, Jackie Olden, has since campaigned for stricter regulations on AGCs. Speaking about the fine, she remarked, “I’m glad the investigation took place, but this penalty is insufficient given the damage caused to our family. This case highlights the need for an independent gambling ombudsman to ensure customers can seek justice when things go wrong.”

The Gambling Commission’s investigation found that while Merkur had established social responsibility protocols, the staff failed to implement them properly, exacerbating Hughes’s situation. Merkur has since taken steps to enhance its customer safety measures in response to the findings.

Andrew Rhodes, the chief executive of the Gambling Commission, expressed concern that land-based operators, like Merkur, need to prioritise customer welfare just as much as their online counterparts. He added, “Operators must ensure staff are trained to recognise the signs of gambling harm and intervene appropriately.”

This penalty serves as a stark reminder to the gambling industry of the importance of protecting vulnerable customers, particularly in high-stakes environments like AGCs. Merkur, one of the largest AGC operators in the UK, has more than 230 centres across the country.

The Gambling Commission urges those affected by problem gambling to seek support through services such as the NHS National Problem Gambling Clinic and GamCare.

Zelenskyy Denies Boris Johnson’s Influence in Blocking Peace Deal with Russia in 2022

Zelenskyy Denies Boris Johnson’s Influence in Blocking Peace Deal with Russia in 2022

Ukrainian President Dismisses Claims of British Interference, Saying Johnson Had No Role in the Decision

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly rejected suggestions that former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson played a role in thwarting a potential peace deal with Russia in spring 2022, describing the claims as “illogical.” Speaking to The Guardian, Zelenskyy addressed these accusations for the first time, stating, “There were multiple ultimatums from Russia, and I never agreed to them.”

He emphasised that Johnson was not involved in his decision to halt any negotiations with Russia, adding, “What could he have talked us out of? It simply doesn’t make sense.”

This story, which has resurfaced recently as former US President Donald Trump signals his intentions to broker a peace agreement, has gained renewed attention. Trump is expected to meet Zelenskyy soon, amid concerns that he may pressure Ukraine into agreeing to terms favourable to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Russian government has seized on the narrative of Johnson’s visit to Kyiv in April 2022, suggesting that Western leaders, including Johnson, discouraged Ukraine from seeking a peace deal early in the conflict. Johnson himself has dismissed these claims as “Russian propaganda.”

The former prime minister’s visit took place six weeks after Russia’s full-scale invasion, during which he expressed strong support for Ukraine. The notion that Johnson used this trip to prevent Ukraine from signing a peace agreement emerged from an article in Ukrainska Pravda in May 2022, citing sources who claimed Ukrainian and Russian negotiators had reached an agreement in Istanbul.

A week after the Istanbul talks, Johnson visited Kyiv, urging Zelenskyy not to negotiate with Putin, instead advocating for continued resistance against Russia’s aggression. David Arakhamia, a member of Zelenskyy’s negotiating team, seemed to confirm this narrative in November 2023, suggesting that Johnson had directly discouraged any agreement. However, Arakhamia also noted that Ukraine had no intention of signing anything at that time.

Russian President Putin later referenced these comments, claiming that the West, led by Johnson, had pushed Ukraine further into war by refusing peace talks. Zelenskyy, however, dismissed this as a distortion of events, stressing that by the time Johnson arrived, the immediate pressure to negotiate had already diminished.

“The pressure to sign anything had already been lost by the time Johnson came,” said Zelenskyy, explaining that Russian forces had already retreated from Kyiv’s outskirts. He recalled that during the initial stages of the war, Ukrainian leaders had faced both the threat of death and aggressive demands from Russia.

Zelenskyy further explained that the terms offered by Russia in earlier talks were unacceptable, as they violated Ukraine’s constitution and citizens’ rights. “We would never submit to Putin’s ultimatums,” he stated.

The president also highlighted that while several Western leaders had encouraged Ukraine to reach a deal, none were willing to provide the security guarantees necessary to make any agreement viable. After the atrocities committed in Bucha and other towns, any peace deal became far less appealing.

Simon Shuster, a journalist who has covered Zelenskyy’s presidency, suggested that the Ukrainian leader did indeed consider peace talks seriously in March 2022, based on a draft agreement. However, the brutal realities of the Russian invasion, including war crimes, made a deal with Russia untenable.

Zelenskyy further stressed that Johnson’s visit, occurring after significant Ukrainian military gains, made it illogical to claim the British leader pressured him to reject peace. “By the time Johnson arrived, we had already driven the Russians away from Kyiv,” Zelenskyy concluded, emphasising that no one, including Johnson, could have pressured him into such a decision.

Missing Truck Found in Sewer Pipe Weeks After Falling into Giant Sinkhole in Japan

Missing Truck Found in Sewer Pipe Weeks After Falling into Giant Sinkhole in Japan

Authorities Confirm Discovery of Truck Cabin with Possible Human Remains Inside, But Identity of Driver Unclear

A truck cabin, which had been swallowed by a massive sinkhole in Japan two weeks ago, has now been located inside a nearby sewer pipe, according to local authorities. Drone footage suggests the presence of a human body inside the cabin, but it remains uncertain whether the remains belong to the missing 74-year-old driver of the vehicle.

The sinkhole, which now spans 40 metres (131 feet) in diameter, appeared at a road junction in Yashio city, near Tokyo, and is believed to have been triggered by a rupture in the sewer system. Rescue teams have been unable to enter the pipe, which measures five metres in width, due to persistent water flow and dangerous levels of hydrogen sulfide gas, commonly found in sewers.

To reach the truck, the authorities will need to install a temporary bypass to halt the water flow, a process which may take up to three months, according to Saitama Governor Motohiro Ono. Although rescuers successfully retrieved the truck’s cargo platform from the sinkhole, the cabin where the driver was last known to be has remained inaccessible.

The driver was able to make contact with rescuers after the truck plunged into the sinkhole on 28 January, but communication was lost as the vehicle became buried deeper in soil and debris. On Sunday, the focus of the search was shifted from the sinkhole to the sewer pipe, where part of the driver’s seat was recovered.

Initially, the sinkhole measured 10 metres in width and 5 metres in depth, but it has since expanded significantly, merging with another nearby sinkhole. As the ground continues to erode, local authorities have urged nearby residents to evacuate due to the risk of additional cave-ins.

In addition, authorities have called on the 1.2 million residents of Saitama Prefecture to limit their water usage, including reducing activities like showering and doing laundry, in an attempt to control the water flowing through the underground pipes.

The ongoing search efforts have been repeatedly delayed due to the hazardous conditions, including the threat of further road collapses. Officials warn that repairing the sewer rupture could take as long as two or three years.

Sinkholes have become more frequent in Japan, particularly in urban areas with outdated sewage infrastructure.