Malibu Faces Emergency as Sinkhole Threatens Homes

On September 8, 2026, Malibu declared a local emergency after a large sinkhole emerged at actor Nicolas Cage’s oceanfront property. The sinkhole appeared on Sea Level Drive and prompted the evacuation of 31 homes. Responders from Los Angeles County Fire and Sheriff’s departments arrived around 5:45 a.m. to assess the situation.

Real estate records confirm the property belongs to Cage, known for roles in films like ‘Spider-Noir’ and ‘Pig’. By evening, the sinkhole measured about 25 feet in depth and 30 by 60 feet in surface area. High tides and rain from Tropical Storm Marie are expected to worsen conditions.

The emergency declaration cites imminent danger to nearby homes in the gated community near Lechuza Beach. Seven homes have been deemed unsafe, while 24 others face restricted access due to damaged roads.

“Emergency personnel access is severely constrained and may be impassable, due to the large portion of the road that has collapsed,” the city wrote in the emergency declaration.

Malibu High School, located at 30215 Morning View Drive, opened as a temporary shelter for affected residents. Gas lines in the area are shut, and water services might soon follow.

The evacuation order remains indefinite. The National Weather Service issued advisories for high surf and coastal floods until 11 p.m. Tuesday for several coastal regions in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Waves between 4 to 7 feet are likely, with some reaching 8 feet, causing potentially hazardous conditions.

Further complications arise from the ‘super’ El Niño, increasing threats of flooding and beach erosion this winter, according to the city’s emergency declaration.

Cage, an actor with an Oscar and Golden Globe for ‘Leaving Las Vegas’, recently had his series ‘Spider-Noir’ on Prime Video canceled despite its acclaim.