Malibu Sinkhole Prompts Evacuations Near Cage Home

A large sinkhole opened Tuesday beneath the driveway outside an oceanfront Malibu home reportedly owned by Nicolas Cage, collapsing the area near the garage and damaging nearby gas and water lines and part of the street. Officials estimated the crater was roughly 25–30 feet deep and up to 30 by 60 feet wide, linking it to coastal erosion caused by heavy rain, high tides and powerful surf associated with post-tropical Cyclone Marie. Firefighters and utility crews responded to a suspected gas-main break; gas service was shut off, and water service could also be interrupted. Malibu declared a local emergency, closed the private road and ordered evacuations affecting 31 properties, including homes red-tagged because of hazardous conditions or loss of safe vehicle access. Cage was reportedly not at the property, which appeared unoccupied and possibly under renovation, and no injuries were reported; a temporary shelter was established at Malibu High School as officials warned conditions could worsen with additional rain and high surf.