The surf from Hurricane Marie may have calmed down, but the aftermath continues to affect residents on Malibu's Sea Level Drive. Mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for 31 properties this week, following a sinkhole that opened up near a beachfront home owned by actor Nicolas Cage. The emergency operations center that was established to manage the incident was demobilized on Friday, but city officials caution that conditions are still not safe for residents to return.
The damage first appeared on Tuesday, as powerful swells from Hurricane Marie slammed into the Southern California coast. These waves reportedly crashed through protective berms and seawalls, flooding homes and eroding beaches along the way. On Sea Level Drive, the pounding surf and coastal erosion led to a significant sinkhole developing at the beachfront home, extending from a driveway into the roadway itself. This collapse created a hazardous situation, threatening the integrity of other nearby structures along Sea Level Drive.
Malibu officials stated on Friday that the mandatory evacuation order and red tag designations for the 31 affected properties will stay in effect until the area is deemed safe. The core issue, according to the city, is that Sea Level Drive serves as the only access point for the affected neighborhood. The current road erosion means normal entry and exit are impossible, which would also block emergency services from reaching the area or residents from evacuating during another incident.
The city quickly proclaimed a local emergency and issued the evacuation order due to these hazardous conditions and the loss of access for essential personnel, including fire and sheriff's departments, to respond to medical, fire, or law enforcement emergencies. In response, the American Red Cross set up a temporary shelter at Malibu High School, located at 30215 Morning View Drive.
Beyond the road damage, the sinkhole also led to utility disruptions. Southern California Gas Co. moved swiftly, shutting off gas service on Tuesday evening to address a gas leak at the affected property and to prevent any further leaks in the area. Waterworks District 29 also took precautionary measures, shutting off water service to avoid potential water main breaks as the ground shifted.
While the situation remains serious, there was some stability reported mid-week. Malibu officials stated on Wednesday that the sinkhole and erosion had not significantly expanded overnight, offering a small measure of relief.
Responsibility for the ongoing repairs falls to the affected homeowners association, according to the city. Malibu officials are working closely with the association to secure the necessary permits for permanent repairs to the damaged roadway and infrastructure. In the meantime, the city has confirmed it will continue to monitor the site closely and assess safety conditions as work progresses. Officials estimate that repairs could take approximately five weeks to complete.
The home near the initial collapse, purchased by Nicolas Cage in 2024 for a reported $10.5 million, was unoccupied at the time of the driveway incident, officials confirmed. This situation highlights the broader challenges facing coastal communities across Southern California. Malibu officials noted they are also actively tracking and responding to coastal erosion issues in other vulnerable areas, including parts of Pacific Coast Highway within the Palisades Fire burn area and at Westward Beach, all due to the recent strong waves and high tides. They are collaborating with partner agencies to address these wider concerns.
