Seven homes on Sea Level Drive in Malibu have been declared unsafe for occupancy and an additional 24 residences are at risk of being red-tagged due to impeded vehicular access following the collapse of a significant portion of the street. The emergency order was issued Tuesday by the City of Malibu after firefighters responded to a suspected gas main break.
The sinkhole, which appeared early Tuesday morning, is estimated to be between 30 to 60 feet wide and 25 to 30 feet deep. Its size has made it impossible for large emergency vehicles, such as fire trucks, to access the street. Gas service to the affected area has been shut off, and water service may also be discontinued.
The incident is believed to be the result of coastal erosion, compounded by intensified tides and rainfall from Hurricane Marie and an El Nino event. Nicolas Cage, who purchased his beachfront home on Sea Level Drive in 2024, has not been seen at the property since the sinkhole opened, which also consumed his driveway.
Residents of the affected homes have been instructed to evacuate, with the American Red Cross setting up a temporary shelter at Malibu High School. Photos of the scene show the property on the edge of the massive crater, with construction cones and workers assessing the damage.
No injuries have been reported. The Oscar-winning actor is known for his roles in "Leaving Las Vegas," "Moonstruck," and "National Treasure." Cage is part of a prominent Hollywood family, being the son of August Coppola and nephew of filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola.