Beware Of Falling Rocks, Malibu Warns

MALIBU, CA — Malibu is world-famous for its cliffs and bluffs, and for good reason: they’re stunning. But they can also be dangerous. Recently, large boulders came crashing down on beaches in Malibu.

Falling, crumbling rocks are part of the erosion of California’s bluffs. Storms, high tides, heavy surf, rising sea levels, and eroding sandy beaches are speeding up the erosion process, resulting in more landslides and rockfalls.

In September 2020, a rockslide stalled traffic on Malibu Canyon Road. In January 2019, a boulder fell on a woman’s car while she was traveling along Malibu Canyon Road after two days of rain, sending her to the hospital.

The City of Malibu warns beachgoers to be aware of their surroundings if they are at the foot of bluffs or cliffs where falling rocks could hit. Beachgoers are advised to look for signs of recently fallen rocks, debris, or vegetation, which indicates an unstable bluff or active rockfall.

If you see a rockfall happening, get away from the cliff or bluff, warn others, notify nearby lifeguards or beach staff, or call 911 if they are not available.