Malibu declares local emergency, orders evacuations after massive Sea Level Drive sinkhole
By The Malibu Times · Wed Sep 09 2026
Seven homes red-tagged due to hazardous conditions and 24 more to be red-tagged after loss of safe vehicular access; gas service shut off as city warns conditions could worsen
The City of Malibu declared a local emergency Tuesday, Sept. 8, and ordered evacuations after a massive sinkhole on Sea Level Drive left seven residences red-tagged and another 24 slated to be red-tagged because residents and emergency responders have lost safe vehicular access.
The emergency proclamation, signed by City Manager and Director of Emergency Services Joe Irvin, provides new details about the extent of the damage near 31630 Sea Level Drive.
According to the proclamation, the sinkhole measures approximately 25 to 30 feet deep and 30 by 60 feet wide. While it emerged on Sept. 8, city officials said currently available information indicates conditions associated with the sinkhole may have begun developing on Sept. 7.
“The sinkhole poses imminent danger to the homes and residents along Sea Level Drive,” the proclamation states.
As of the time the emergency was declared, seven residences had been red-tagged because of hazardous conditions resulting directly from the sinkhole. An additional 24 residences will be red-tagged because of the loss of safe vehicular access, according to the city.
Gas service to the affected area has been shut off, and officials warned that water service could also be discontinued if conditions warrant.
The situation marks a significant escalation from the emergency response that began early Tuesday morning, when crews descended on Sea Level Drive following the collapse near the beachfront properties.
Of particular concern to officials is the loss of access for firefighters and other emergency responders. The proclamation states that a large portion of the road has collapsed and the remaining intact roadway is too narrow to accommodate fire engines and other large emergency vehicles.
“Emergency personnel access is severely constrained and may be impassable,” the city stated, describing the situation as creating “a substantial risk to public safety and emergency response capabilities.”
The city issued an evacuation order for all affected properties. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies notified residents in person, and the city issued a digital emergency alert through Everbridge.
A temporary American Red Cross shelter is being established at Malibu High School, 30215 Morning View Drive, for residents affected by the evacuation.
High tides and additional rain remain a concern
City officials warned that the situation could deteriorate further as Malibu continues to experience high surf and weather associated with Hurricane Marie.
“Conditions are likely to worsen with forecasted high tides and rains,” according to the emergency proclamation.
A Coastal Flood Advisory remained in effect until 11 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8.
The proclamation also points to concerns extending beyond Tuesday’s immediate emergency, citing forecasts for a strengthening El Niño pattern and the potential for elevated sea levels, coastal flooding and beach narrowing along the California coast during the coming fall and winter.
The sinkhole emergency follows days of unusually powerful surf and coastal impacts along Malibu’s shoreline. On Tuesday morning, Malibu beaches were also temporarily closed because of lightning as another round of severe weather moved through the area.
Emergency declaration remains in effect
Irvin issued the proclamation under the California Emergency Services Act and Malibu Municipal Code after determining that conditions posed an extreme peril to people and property and required immediate emergency response and protective measures.
Because the Malibu City Council was not in session and could not immediately be called into session, the city’s Director of Emergency Services had authority to proclaim the local emergency.
The declaration is in effect until Sept. 15 unless it is ratified by the Malibu City Council within seven days.
The proclamation states that the full extent of the impacts from the Sea Level Drive sinkhole remains unknown and that conditions continue to be evaluated.
No injuries had been reported as of Tuesday evening.
The Malibu Times will continue monitoring Sea Level Drive and will provide updates as additional information becomes available.