Nine Homes Collapsed in Outer Banks Amid Rising Seas

Buxton, North Carolina — At least nine homes have collapsed on Hatteras Island, scattering debris across the landscape as crews work to clean up hazardous materials. The collapses have raised alarm as rising sea levels threaten additional properties along the Outer Banks.

The latest incident occurred just before 6 p.m. on Friday in Rodanthe, where authorities reported the home was unoccupied at the time. The collapses began on Tuesday, fueled by dangerous surf conditions associated with Hurricane Imelda, which, while not hitting North Carolina directly, led to significant beach erosion.

On the shores of Buxton, debris such as gasoline, septic tanks, and treated lumber blend with the salt air, creating dangerous situations for cleanup crews and nearby residents. “This is not just broken wood,” said Dave Hallac, superintendent of Cape Hatteras National Seashore. “It is everything that was inside a home, and once it is in the surf, it can travel miles.”

Hallac noted that debris from these incidents has already been found over two miles from the original sites. Crews have prioritized removing larger hazards like walls and propane tanks before searching for smaller debris items. “Cleaning up will take time; we’re looking at months of work,” he added.

Although homeowners are legally responsible for the cleanup costs, Hallac stated that the system often falls short. “Many property owners have hired contractors, but there are instances where they have not paid, leaving the National Park Service with those expenses,” he said.

In light of the recent events, 35 National Park Service staff members remain active in Buxton, classified as essential workers even during the federal government shutdown. Hallac urged everyone to avoid the area due to potential hidden hazards like nails and unstable debris.

Reide Corbett, a coastal scientist and executive director of East Carolina University’s Coastal Studies Institute, highlighted the environmental dangers posed by the debris. “You have immediate safety hazards and the long-term impact of materials breaking down in the ocean. This could affect marine life,” he cautioned. He further explained the risks of septic systems spilling into the water, introducing harmful bacteria and nutrients into the nearby environment.

Historically, erosion on the Outer Banks has been a persistent issue, with the shoreline receding by 10 to 15 feet annually in Buxton. However, scientists warn that rising sea levels and heightened storm activity intensify the risks. “It is barrier island dynamics happening with exacerbated sea level rise,” Corbett explained. “Communities and policymakers may need to rethink their development strategies to address these realities.”

With projections of king tides expected soon, Hallac’s crews are acutely aware of the ticking clock. “We know more could fall in at any moment,” he remarked, emphasizing the urgency of the cleanup efforts.