A massive sinkhole near Nicolas Cage’s Malibu home has forced dozens of residents to evacuate as officials warn that conditions could become even more dangerous. The City of Malibu declared a local emergency Tuesday evening after the ground gave way near 31630 Sea Level Drive. By that point, the sinkhole had grown to an estimated 25 to 30 feet deep and roughly 30 feet by 60 feet wide.
Cage, 62, reportedly owns the property where the collapse began, according to Today. The Oscar winner purchased the Malibu home in 2024.
How Many Malibu Homes Were Evacuated?
Officials ordered residents from 31 properties along Sea Level Drive to leave Tuesday evening, per CBS News.
Seven homes were red-tagged because of “hazardous conditions resulting from the sinkhole,” while another 24 were red-tagged because residents no longer had safe vehicle access.
Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies went door-to-door to notify residents. Authorities also sent a digital emergency alert, according to Santa Monica Mirror. A temporary American Red Cross shelter was established at Malibu High School for those displaced.
How Did the Massive Malibu Sinkhole Form?
According to ABC News, the trouble became apparent early Tuesday morning when authorities responded to a reported driveway collapse and gas leak around 5:45 a.m. See the photos shared by the New York Post below;
Officials believe the sinkhole may have started forming Monday and then rapidly expanded. Authorities shut off gas service to the affected stretch. City officials also warned that they could stop water service if conditions worsen. “Conditions are continuing to be evaluated, and the full extent of the impacts is not yet known,” Malibu officials said, as reported by The Guardian.
The city warned that the collapse “poses imminent danger to the homes and residents along Sea Level Drive.”
Why Are Officials Worried About Emergency Access?
GettyThe damaged road has created another serious concern for residents who remain nearby. A large section of Sea Level Drive has collapsed, leaving too little room for fire engines and other large emergency vehicles to safely pass.
Officials said emergency access “is severely constrained and may be impassable, due to the large portion of the road that has collapsed.”
They added that the remaining roadway is too narrow for some emergency equipment, creating additional risks if another crisis develops.
Could Weather Make the Malibu Sinkhole Worse?
Officials warned Tuesday that the situation may not have stabilized. “Conditions are likely to worsen with forecasted high tides and rains,” the city said.
Fox Weather had reported on September 8 that Southern California was also experiencing increased surf linked to Post-Tropical Cyclone Marie. The National Weather Service said swells generated by the system would continue affecting portions of Southern California for the next couple of days.
GettyA coastal flood advisory remained in effect in Malibu through Tuesday night. For now, officials are continuing to assess the unstable area while keeping residents away from properties that could be difficult or unsafe to reach.
