Evacuations ordered, oceanfront homes in Malibu red-tagged after driveways collapse due to coastal erosion
By Chelsea Hylton, Dean Fioresi
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MALIBU, California (KCAL, KCBS) — Evacuation orders have been issued for more than 30 beachfront homes in Malibu after driveways collapsed due to coastal erosion Monday, leading to five homes being red-tagged.
SoCal Gas officials said around 5:57 a.m., crews were notified about damage to natural gas infrastructure on a private road in the 31600 block of Sea Level Drive, near Point Lechuza, due to a sinkhole.
Crews arrived on scene and discovered damage to a half-inch natural gas line. They safely stopped the flow of gas and are working on repairs. SoCal Gas said that residents and businesses in the area may notice a natural gas odor while repair work is ongoing.
City officials red-tagged the homes, which means that entry is prohibited. Officials added that the driveways collapsed “due to coastal erosion from the high tides and high surf.”
“The City is actively monitoring and responding to coastal erosion issues in areas including Pacific Coast Highway in the Palisades Fire burn area and at Westward Beach due to strong waves and high tides, in close collaboration with partner agencies,” Malibu officials said in a statement.
On Tuesday night, city leaders announced a local emergency due to the sinkhole and ordered that more than 31 properties along Sea Level Drive be evacuated. All residents living in the impacted area were advised to evacuate by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department officials.
“Authorities warn that these conditions are likely to worsen with forecasted high tides and rain caused by Hurricane Marie,” Malibu’s updated statement said.
A temporary American Red Cross shelter was established for evacuees at Malibu High School, located at 30215 Morning View Drive.
Aerial footage of the driveways showed beachfront homes that were affected by the damage. A large hole could be seen in place of where the driveways would be located.
Customers should call 1-800-427-2200 if they experience a service disruption or suspect there is a natural gas leak.
This incident comes after several homes in Long Beach were evacuated after high surf and power waves compromised the seawall and damaged the boardwalk.
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