Story perspectives

Sinkhole collapse shuts gas and water lines in Malibu

9/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

Actor Nicolas Cage's Malibu home on Sea Level Drive East suffered a massive sinkhole collapse.
Coastal erosion from heavy rain and high surf of Tropical Storm Marie caused the 30-by-30-ft sinkhole.
The collapse ruptured gas and water lines, which fire crews and Southern California Gas Company shut off.
No injuries occurred; officials red-tagged five homes, declared a local emergency and evacuated 24 nearby residences.

History

Historical Context

In 1995, the Malibu landslide triggered by El Niño rains devastated 12 homes and prompted significant statewide geotechnical reforms in California. The California Department of Water Resources documented 1,200,000 cubic yards of displaced soil, while Los Angeles County allocated $3 million for emergency stabilization. The sinkhole under Nicolas Cage’s Sea Level Drive East home mirrors 1995 event, as Tropical Storm Marie’s and Southern California Gas Company’s lines face erosion. The precedent urges stricter coastal zoning and upgraded utility safeguards to curb recurring property loss and protect public safety in California.

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Story summary

Actor Nicolas Cage's Malibu home on Sea Level Drive East suffered a massive sinkhole collapse.
Coastal erosion from heavy rain and high surf of Tropical Storm Marie caused the 30-by-30-ft sinkhole.
The collapse ruptured gas and water lines, which fire crews and Southern California Gas Company shut off.
No injuries occurred; officials red-tagged five homes, declared a local emergency and evacuated 24 nearby residences.

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