The city of Dana Point declared a local emergency on Wednesday after at least 16 beachfront homes were severely damaged by coastal flooding and strong surf fueled by Hurricane Marie. Nine homes were red-tagged as unsafe for habitation, while seven others received yellow tags indicating structural damage, according to city officials.
In Malibu, a 25-foot-deep sinkhole opened near actor Nicolas Cage’s property, forcing evacuations for seven homes and restricting access for 24 others due to emergency vehicle concerns. Meanwhile, Long Beach reported damage to beachfront properties and a boardwalk, with one home yellow-tagged but no mandatory evacuations in place.
Immediate responses and safety measures
Dana Point officials stated that no city infrastructure was damaged, but teams will continue monitoring the coastline. Homeowners in the affected area are installing emergency boulder barriers to mitigate further erosion, as reported by Karen Morris, administrative assistant for the Capistrano Bay Community Services District.
In Malibu, residents like Mitchell Leib expressed concerns over repeated storm damage to his home, with his wife suggesting they consider selling. Former Malibu Mayor Andy Stern, whose property was also evacuated due to access restrictions, attributed the sinkhole to a burst water pipe combined with wave action, calling it a one-off incident rather than an indicator of broader risks.
Long Beach’s recovery efforts
Long Beach residents returned to find damaged boardwalks and eroded shorelines, with city officials warning the public to stay clear of the area due to hazards. Residents like Denise Reyes and Steve Demos described the emotional impact of seeing beloved coastal landmarks destroyed, while acknowledging the difficulty of halting natural erosion processes.
Broader implications and expert warnings
Experts cited in the reporting suggest that El Niño conditions, which typically bring stormier-than-average weather, may intensify such events. The recent storms—occurring earlier in the year than usual—have raised questions about long-term coastal resilience. Dana Point officials emphasized ongoing coordination with state and federal agencies to address the damage and prepare for future conditions.
Official statements and ongoing assessments
Dana Point’s emergency declaration follows similar actions in other Southern California cities, including Malibu’s local emergency declaration due to coastal erosion and sinkhole risks. City teams in all affected areas continue to evaluate structural integrity, with some residents taking temporary protective measures while awaiting further guidance.