Strong waves have eroded the driveway foundation of a coastal residence in Malibu, causing a natural gas pipeline rupture on Tuesday (8th).
According to reports from the city news agency, Los Angeles County fire department personnel responded to the incident at around 5:45 am on Tuesday, heading to the 31600 block of Sea Level Drive East near Point Lechuza.
A spokesperson for the fire department stated that Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) had shut off the natural gas supply upon notification.
Initially, the spokesperson mentioned, “There is a sinkhole there, but the houses are currently unoccupied.”
Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and fire department rushed to the scene and closed off the private road. Photos from the scene revealed that one end of the driveway had collapsed, forming a massive sinkhole.
The Building Safety Division of the city of Malibu and the Southern California Gas Company are assessing the situation on-site. The city government has labeled five residences with red danger tags, prohibiting entry.
City officials stated, “The Building Safety Division and Southern California Gas Company will continue to assess the situation on-site to determine safety concerns in the surrounding area and will release updates as new information becomes available.”
The Malibu city government mentioned that due to strong waves and high tides, they are currently working closely with cooperating agencies to “actively monitor and address coastal erosion issues.” The areas involved include the Pacific Coast Highway within the Palisades Fire burn area and Westward Beach.
Officials noted, “Considering forecasts indicate a strong El Niño phenomenon may bring severe storms, huge waves, heavy rains, mudslides, and coastal erosion potentially affecting the entire Southern California coast, the city government is preparing for potentially severe weather conditions.”