Authorities in California have declared a local emergency after a massive sinkhole opened in the driveway of a home owned by actor Nicolas Cage, triggering widespread evacuations in a celebrity-heavy coastal enclave.
The crater, estimated by officials to be at least 30ft by 30ft, appeared on Sea Level Drive in western Malibu following a period of intense coastal erosion. The collapse, which occurred early on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, led to a gas leak and the immediate closure of the private road to all but emergency personnel.
The City of Malibu formalised the emergency declaration on Tuesday evening as building safety inspectors began assessing the stability of the cliffside. Seven properties, including the one belonging to the Oscar-winning actor, have been “red-tagged” by officials, a classification that prohibits entry due to hazardous conditions.
Evacuations and service disruptions
The incident has had a significant impact on the surrounding neighbourhood. Evacuation orders were issued for 31 homes along Sea Level Drive, primarily because the collapse of the driveway and sections of the road has blocked access for fire engines and ambulances.
Emergency services were first alerted to the scene at approximately 5:45 AM on Tuesday following reports of a gas leak caused by the shifting ground. Engineers from SoCalGas successfully secured the leak, but gas service has been disconnected for an 85-foot section of the street to prevent further risks. According to the Los Angeles Times, the sinkhole may measure as much as 60ft across in some sections where the pavement has completely sheared away.
While some residents have sought alternative accommodation, others remain unable to return to their properties until the ground is deemed stable.
Coastal erosion and weather warnings
Experts believe the sinkhole is the result of severe coastal erosion exacerbated by Tropical Storm Marie. The storm brought heavy surf and exceptionally high tides to the Southern California coastline over the recent holiday weekend, undermining the foundations of several cliffside structures.
The City of Malibu has confirmed that Sea Level Drive remains closed to non-residents. A Beach Hazards Statement is currently in effect for the Malibu coast, with officials warning of dangerous rip currents and continued high surf through to Wednesday evening.
At this stage, it is unclear when repairs to the private road infrastructure can begin or when the red-tag restrictions on the affected homes will be lifted. Representatives for Nicolas Cage have not yet issued a public statement regarding the damage to his property.
