The City of Malibu declared a local emergency and ordered mandatory evacuations for more than 30 coastal properties after a massive sinkhole opened on Tuesday.
The sinkhole appeared directly in front of the $10.5-million beachfront home of actor Nicolas Cage, 61, on Sea Level Drive, forcing officials to consult with the LA County Fire Department and Sheriff’s Department before issuing the urgent warning. City officials warned that high tides and ongoing rain would likely worsen conditions in the already compromised area.
“The sinkhole restricts vital access for residents and emergency services,” the city’s statement read. Malibu specifically issued mandatory evacuation orders for 31 properties along Sea Level Drive, leaving homeowners with limited time to secure their belongings ahead of deteriorating weather.
A temporary shelter was opened at Malibu High School to accommodate residents displaced by the coastal flooding and structural collapse. The facility became the central gathering point for those forced to abandon their multimillion-dollar waterfront homes during the holiday week.
The emergency declaration came as an atmospheric river system slammed Southern California, bringing heavy rainfall and dangerous flood conditions to burn-scarred regions and coastal zones alike. Officials across Los Angeles County had spent days preparing for the storm system, which threatened to compound existing vulnerabilities in fire-damaged terrain.
The sinkhole’s placement in front of Cage’s property underscored the indiscriminate nature of the coastal damage, striking one of the area’s most recognizable estates. The “Leaving Las Vegas” star purchased the home in 2024 for $10.5 million, adding to his collection of distinctive properties.
City officials emphasized that the evacuation was not merely precautionary but necessary given the compromised roadway and the impassable conditions created by the sudden ground collapse. The restriction of emergency vehicle access posed particular concern for first responders who might need to reach the isolated stretch of coastline.
The storm system responsible for the damage was expected to continue drenching the region through the holiday period, with forecasters warning of additional flood risks and potential mudslides in vulnerable areas. Residents well beyond the immediate evacuation zone remained under close watch as rainfall totals mounted.
The declaration of a local emergency allowed Malibu to access additional resources and coordinate more directly with county and state agencies as the situation developed. City staff worked to establish alternative access routes while engineers began assessing the stability of the remaining roadway surface.
The affected Sea Level Drive properties represented some of Malibu’s most expensive real estate, with oceanfront values routinely exceeding eight figures. The sudden forced evacuation during the Christmas holiday week added disruption to an already stressful situation for residents facing potential property damage.
County officials extended flash flood warnings across broader portions of Southern California as the atmospheric river continued its slow progression through the region, urging residents in all low-lying and coastal areas to monitor conditions closely and be prepared to move to higher ground.