Malibu Sinkhole Forces Evacuation Amid Hurricane Marie-Induced Flood Threat

A 30‑foot‑deep sinkhole ripped open beneath a beachfront driveway in Malibu’s Point Lechuza community, sparking a city‑wide emergency declaration and forcing residents to evacuate as Hurricane Marie looms.

The sudden collapse occurred on the 31600 block of Sea Level Drive, just east of Broad Beach. The sinkhole, now expanding, has triggered a gas leak, officials said. In response, the City of Malibu’s Director of Emergency Services declared a proclamation at 6:00 p.m. on September 8, 2026, after consulting with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The proclamation cited public‑safety concerns, noting that the sinkhole blocks access for residents and emergency responders and could worsen with the high tides and rain tied to the Category 1 storm moving northwest along the coast.

All properties affected by the sinkhole are under evacuation order. Sheriff deputies have been on the ground, personally notifying residents, while a digital alert was issued through the city’s Everbridge mass‑notification system. The American Red Cross has opened a temporary shelter at Malibu High School, welcoming evacuees from properties such as 30215 Morning View Drive.

Earlier that day, a separate incident unfolded when a driveway collapsed on a beachfront property at Sea Level Drive, also releasing a gas leak. The City of Malibu issued a statement at 11:30 a.m. on September 8. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Fire Department closed the private road, identified the leak, and Southern California Gas Company arrived on scene to address the hazard. The City’s Building Safety Division and the gas company are assessing the situation, having red‑tagged five homes and prohibited entry.

The sinkhole’s origins trace back to erosion of the sandy beach and the underlying geology of Point Lechuza. According to the city, the hole opened beneath the driveway of a house purchased by actor Nicolas Cage in 2024. At 30 feet deep and still expanding, the sinkhole has forced the evacuation of more than 30 properties.

City officials are monitoring coastal erosion in several Malibu areas, including the Pacific Coast Highway in the Palisades Fire burn area and Westward Beach. This monitoring is part of a broader effort to prepare for strong storms, high surf, heavy rain, mudslides, and coastal erosion that could accompany forecasted El Niño conditions.

Compounding the danger, the National Weather Service issued a Coastal Flood Advisory that remains in effect until 11:00 p.m. on September 8. The advisory warns of moderate coastal flooding and high surf, with storm surge expected to amplify astronomical tides. The warning aligns with the forecast of high tides and rain from Hurricane Marie, which is expected to weaken but still bring significant surf and rainfall.

The combination of sinkhole, gas leak, and impending storm has triggered a coordinated response from city, county, and state agencies. The California Department of Transportation and the California Department of Water Resources have been notified, and the California Office of Emergency Services is monitoring the situation.

The sinkhole’s impact on Malibu’s real‑estate market is tangible. Several beachfront homes have been red‑tagged and are currently off‑market. The City’s Building Safety Division is working with homeowners to assess structural integrity and determine whether properties can be safely re‑entered.

The emergency proclamation and evacuation order fit within California’s broader emergency‑management framework, which obligates local governments to act when natural hazards threaten public safety. The City’s use of Everbridge aligns with state guidance on mass‑notification systems.

As of the latest updates, the sinkhole remains open and expanding. The City has not yet released a timeline for when the area may be considered safe for re‑entry. Residents are advised to remain at the temporary shelter until further notice.

This incident underscores Malibu’s vulnerability to erosion and sinkhole formation, especially during periods of heavy rainfall and high surf. Ongoing monitoring and coordination with county and state agencies aim to mitigate risks and protect residents.

The sinkhole and associated gas leak highlight the need for continued investment in coastal infrastructure and emergency preparedness across California’s coastal communities.

The City of Malibu will provide further updates as the situation evolves. Residents and visitors are urged to follow official channels for the latest information.