Pounding waves open up sinkhole in swanky Malibu

Pounding surf along the California coastline near the affluent enclave of Malibu has created a massive sinkhole on the driveway of what appears to be a multimillion-dollar oceanfront property, according to reports. The incident has drawn attention to the dramatic impact that powerful waves can have on coastal properties.

Photographs taken by AFP show concrete and other debris displaced by the force of the waves, which have lashed the area following the remnants of Hurricane Marie. The sinkhole is positioned close to the house's double garage, raising concerns about the potential threat to the structure.

Richard Thompson, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service, explained that the region's coastal waters have been disturbed by the storm system's remnants. He noted that surf and wave heights have reached between 3 to 4.5 meters in certain areas, exacerbating beach erosion.

The surge in wave activity comes as another powerful storm, Hurricane Lowell, is currently affecting Hawaii, causing significant damage with strong winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding. The ongoing El Niño climate episode has further fueled the formation of these powerful storms, although scientists are divided on whether human-induced climate change is amplifying the effects.