An evacuation order was in effect Wednesday along Sea Level Drive in Malibu, where pounding surf and coastal erosion opened a massive sinkhole at actor Nicolas Cage’s beachfront home, prompting the city to declare a local emergency.
The emergency was declared Tuesday as the expanding sinkhole restricted access for residents and emergency services. Malibu’s director of emergency services issued the proclamation in consultation with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Sheriff’s Department.
Officials warned conditions could worsen with high tides and rain associated with former Hurricane Marie.
Sheriff’s deputies notified affected residents in person Tuesday, and the city issued a digital evacuation alert. The American Red Cross established a temporary shelter at Malibu High School, 30215 Morning View Drive.
The trouble began early Tuesday, when Los Angeles County Fire Department crews responded at about 5:45 a.m. to the 31600 block of Sea Level Drive East, near Point Lechuza, where pounding surf had opened the sinkhole.
The high waves also caused a gas main rupture. The Southern California Gas Company was summoned to shut off the gas, according to a fire department spokesman.
“There is a sinkhole there, but the home is not occupied,” he said after the initial call.
The sheriff’s and fire departments closed the private road. Images from the scene showed one end of a driveway had collapsed into the sinkhole.
Malibu’s Building Safety Division and SoCal Gas assessed the area, and the city red-tagged five homes, prohibiting entry.
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.”
Cage purchased the Sea Level Drive home in 2024 for a reported $10.5 million.