The city of Malibu has declared a local emergency and ordered the evacuation of 31 parcels after a sinkhole formed on Sea Level Drive, caused by coastal erosion from high waves and tides associated with Hurricane Marie.
The incident was reported at approximately 5:45 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, when the collapse of a beachfront driveway extended into the roadway, blocking resident and emergency access. Sea Level Drive has a single entry and exit.
The city's director of emergency services made the emergency proclamation in consultation with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, citing public safety concerns as the expanding sinkhole restricted vital access for residents and emergency services. Authorities warned conditions were likely to worsen with forecasted high tides and rain, and a Coastal Flood Advisory was issued until 11 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8.
Sheriff's deputies notified residents in person, and the city issued a digital alert through Everbridge. All 31 properties have been red tagged due to hazardous conditions and the loss of access for fire and sheriff's personnel responding to medical, fire or law enforcement emergencies. The American Red Cross established a temporary shelter for affected residents at Malibu High School, 30215 Morning View Drive.
Overnight, the sinkhole and erosion did not significantly expand. SoCalGas shut off gas service Tuesday evening to address a gas leak and prevent further leaks, and Waterworks District 29 shut off water service to prevent water main breaks.
The homeowners association, which controls the private roadway, began repairs with city permits within hours of the incident. The HOA is continuing construction to repair and shore up the area, work expected to be completed in about five weeks depending on conditions.
The city continued to coordinate with the fire and sheriff's departments, SoCalGas, the American Red Cross and the HOA. No injuries were reported. The mandatory evacuation and red tags remain in place. Officials said public safety remains the city's top priority and that they are working with partners so residents can return home as quickly and safely as possible.
The incident is part of broader regional coastal conditions. The city is also monitoring coastal erosion along Pacific Coast Highway in the Palisades Fire burn area and at Point Dume State Beach, along with other vulnerable coastal points, and is preparing for potential strong storms, high surf, heavy rain, mudslides and coastal erosion this winter associated with forecast El Niño conditions.
For more information on the emergency proclamation, visit https://malibucity.org/DocumentCenter/View/38668/Emergency-Proclamation—Sea-Level-Sinkholedoc.
Edited by SMDP Staff