Malibu Sinkhole Repairs Could Take 5 Weeks, 31 Homes Remain Evacuated

MALIBU, CA — An emergency operations center set up after pounding surf opened a sinkhole near actor Nicholas Cage's beachfront home in Malibu was demobilized Friday, but mandatory evacuation orders remained in effect for more than two dozen homes.

The damage occurred on Sea Level Drive on Tuesday as swells from Hurricane Marie ravaged parts of the Southern California coast, crashing through berms and seawalls and flooding homes along eroded beaches.

"The mandatory evacuation order and red tag designations for the 31 affected properties will remain in place until conditions are deemed safe," according to a statement issued by Malibu officials on Friday. "This is necessary because Sea Level Drive is the only route in and out of the affected area. Current road erosion prevents normal ingress and egress to the neighborhood, and would also prevent access or evacuation routes in the event of an emergency. "

According to the city, the affected homeowners association is responsible for overseeing repair efforts.

"The city is working closely with them to secure the permits necessary for permanent repairs. In the meantime, the city will continue to monitor the site and assess safety conditions.

A state of emergency was declared after pounding surf and coastal erosion opened the massive sinkhole at Cage's beachfront home, threatening the integrity of nearby structures along Sea Level Drive.

The driveway collapse extended into the roadway, blocking resident and emergency access. Southern California Gas Co. shut off gas service Tuesday evening to address a gas leak at the property and prevent further leaks. Waterworks District 29 shut off water service to prevent water main breaks.

The city proclaimed a local emergency and issued an evacuation order for the 31 properties due to hazardous conditions and the loss of access for fire and sheriff's personnel to respond to medical, fire or law enforcement emergencies. The American Red Cross established a temporary shelter at Malibu High School, 30215 Morning View Drive.

On Wednesday, Malibu officials said the sinkhole and erosion did not significantly expand overnight.

Repairs are expected to be completed in about five weeks, city officials said.

Malibu officials said they were also "actively monitoring and responding to coastal erosion issues in areas including Pacific Coast Highway in the Palisades Fire burn area and at Westward Beach due to strong waves and high tides, in close collaboration with partner agencies."

No injuries were reported.

Cage purchased the home in the 31600 block of Sea Level Drive East in 2024 for a reported $10.5 million. The home was not occupied at the time of the driveway collapse, according to officials.

City News Service